Uttar Pradesh: Students at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) have entered their fifth consecutive day of protests, demanding a rollback of a steep 36–42% fee hike, reinstatement of student union elections after an eight-year gap, and action over poor hostel conditions.
The protests, centered around Bab-e-Syed Gate, have drawn nationwide attention, with growing calls for intervention from the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The All India Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has formally petitioned the minister, urging a probe into the situation.
- Fee Hike Sparks Student Outrage
The university has implemented fee increases across several courses, with students claiming hikes ranging from 30% to 42%. For instance, the B.Lib course fee has reportedly jumped from Rs 16,000 to over Rs 22,000.
Nasir Khehami, the national convenor of the students’ association, described the hike as arbitrary, unjustified, and exclusionary especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds already struggling with basic expenses.
In response, AMU Proctor Wasim Ali defended the decision, stating the hikes were the outcome of recommendations from internal committees and were necessary to upgrade infrastructure. He claimed increases were limited to Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 , depending on the programme.
- Democratic Deficit and Campus Crackdown
Students have also highlighted the lack of student union elections since 2018, which they argue has left them with no democratic platform to voice concerns. The absence of an elected student body has only intensified frustrations, particularly during what protestors describe as heavy-handed responses by university authorities.
On Friday, students performing peaceful prayers at their protest site were allegedly forcibly removed, leading to condemnation from Opposition MPs, who have written to Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon expressing alarm at the crackdown.
- Core Demands and University Response
Protestors have outlined three primary demands:
1 Complete reversal of the fee hike.
2 Immediate resumption of student union elections.
3 Removal of senior university officials allegedly responsible for the crisis.
- The continued boycott of classes underscores the seriousness of the student movement.
In response, AMU Spokesperson Omar Peerzada said the administration is engaging in dialogue. A committee headed by Professor M Asmer Beg has been formed to review the fee structure. The university has circulated a proforma online, encouraging students to submit their concerns and suggestions.
- Hostel Conditions Add to Grievances
Beyond academic issues, students have raised complaints about poor hostel infrastructure, including overcrowded rooms and unsanitary conditions. These grievances have been documented in letters sent to government officials, urging inspections and immediate upgrades.
- Broader Call for Accountability
The situation at AMU has grown into a symbolic fight for student rights and institutional transparency. With no clear resolution yet in sight, the standoff has come to reflect broader challenges in higher education — affordability, representation, and the right to protest.
As tensions persist and classrooms remain empty, the AMU community awaits decisive action from both university and government authorities.
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