Thu Feb 20 17:09:36 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Arts and Science Colleges Raise Concerns Over Fee Fixation Process
**Coimbatore, February 20, 2025** – The Association of Arts, Science and Management Colleges of Tamil Nadu (ASFASM) has voiced strong reservations regarding the fee fixation process for self-financing arts and science colleges in the state. In a letter to Justice R. Pongiappan, Chairman of the Committee for Fees Fixation, ASFASM president Ajeet Kumar Lal Mohan urged for a more flexible system, similar to that used for engineering colleges.
ASFASM proposes a tiered fee structure based on accreditation, allowing accredited institutions to charge an additional ₹10,000 to incentivize quality improvements. The association also advocates for mandated allocation of funds for infrastructure and maintenance, in line with NAAC and NIRF guidelines. Furthermore, they request that scholarship funds for SC/ST and first-generation students be deposited directly into the colleges’ accounts, mirroring practices in engineering and other professional colleges.
The association is also seeking an exemption from additional processing fees for fee fixation and an extension of the deadline for fee proposals to May 2025 to allow for proper financial planning. ASFASM warns that a rigid fee-fixation policy could severely jeopardize the financial sustainability of self-financing arts and science colleges across the state.
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