Indore: At a time when Covid-19 induced financial crisis has dug a hole in the pockets of many families, a private college in the city is building pressure on parents and students to pay their fees and suggesting that they take a loan from money lenders (who usually charge exorbitant rates) and pay their fees.
Not only thin, the college staff is even suggesting the name of a money lender and sharing his mobile number with the distressed students.
The college in question is Chameli Devi Institute. Audio recording of conversations between students and a female college staffer was shared by NSUI on social media on Friday seeking action against the college administration.
NSUI district president Amit Patel even lodged a complaint with Indore division additional director (higher education) Dr Suresh Silawat.
According to students, the college management is continuously pressurising them to deposit the fees before June 30.
“The college management has told us that June 30 is the last date for filling examination forms. If we do not pay the fees till June 30 we will not be allowed to take exams,” the students said.
They said that they are being suggested to take a loan from a money lender. “When the moneylender is contacted, he says that he will give loan on 10 to 11 per cent rate of interest,” the students added.
After receiving the complaint from NSUI, Silawat said that there are clear and loud instructions from the state government that the examination forms of those who do not pay the fees cannot be withheld. Silawat said that he has issued a notice to the college seeking an explanation on the complaint.
College principal Dr Suhas Dhande did not deny the allegation and said, “We are not suggesting the name of any individual but of a finance agency. We have suggested students of the general category students that they have the option of taking a loan also for payment of fees. We are not pressuring any student but giving an option to them.”
