Fri Nov 15 18:42:57 UTC 2024: ## Mangalore University Students Protest Steep Fee Hike, Damage Property
**Mangaluru, Nov 15, 2024** – Students of Mangalore University, led by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), protested a significant increase in examination fees on Friday. The demonstration, held at Mangalagangotri, involved students who barged into the administrative building and damaged window panes.
The ABVP alleges a 50-60% hike in exam fees, with the marks card fee rising by 117% to ₹500. They criticize the university for implementing the hike across even and odd semesters, citing it as a substantial burden. The protest further highlights issues with digital marks cards generated through the Unified University and College Management System (UUCMS), noting inaccuracies and missing student data.
Vice-Chancellor P.L. Dharma responded that the fee increase, implemented after a six-year gap, is lower than that of private institutions and the government-prescribed uniform fee structure. He acknowledged issues with UUCMS data entry, placing some responsibility on college principals for incomplete uploads. He added that the university had reduced fees during the pandemic.
Following a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor and two Syndicate members, the students ended their protest after receiving assurances that their concerns would be addressed by the Syndicate and brought to the attention of the government. However, the Vice-Chancellor condemned the damage to university property.
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) criticized the ABVP’s actions, calling it “goondaism” and urging police action against those responsible for the property damage. The NSUI also stated that the Higher Education Minister is aware of the marks card issue and has promised to resolve it.
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