Amid opposition, Bamu extends last date to submit affiliation fees

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Maratwada University (Bamu) has extended the deadline for colleges to submit affiliation proposals, along with requisite fees, till April 30.The decision was taken in the backdrop of a section of colleges opposing the changes in rules related to affiliation fees. The changes, which are binding on permanently affiliated colleges, involve a one-time payment of fees for five academic years and a nearly 2.5% hike in fees for each year.BAMU public relations officer, Sanjay Shinde said a five-member committee was formed to consider feedback from affiliated colleges."The panel is expected to submit its report in 15 days. The recommendations of the panel will be binding upon affiliated colleges, if approved by the university," he said.Shinde said that a section of colleges was engaged in false propaganda. "While colleges were asked to make one time payment of affiliation fees for five academic years, some colleges are spreading false information that a five-fold hike is made in the fees," he said.The affiliation fee varies as per courses and faculties and is in the range of Rs60,000 to Rs1 lakh per year.Student activist Tukaram Saraf said, "The panel is expected to examine academic and administrative audits of colleges in the first place. Also, it should be ensured that fee hike, if any, must not be transferred to students."