NEW DELHI: The Miranda House college at Delhi University has hiked its hostel fees by Rs 6,000 per semester, according to a statement from the Students Federation of India (SFI) on Monday. The fee for odd semesters has increased from Rs 27,090 to Rs 33,090, while the fee for even semesters has risen from Rs 26,750 to Rs 32,750.
MH Principal Bijayalaxmi Nanda made a defending statement on this, she stated, “The fee adjustment was made after thorough consultation, reflecting the inflation over the past five to six years and the maintenance expenses we incur. The increase is modest, and we have strict policies in place to support students,” according to media sources.
According to media sources, Nanda also noted that Miranda House charges lower fees compared to other prominent colleges and promised to address students’ concerns about the hike.
Students, however, have expressed dissatisfaction with the fee increase. Himani Dev, a fourth-year B.El.Ed. student told The New Indian that students were shocked to discover the fee hike only after returning from summer vacation. With the payment deadline set for July 31, many students are struggling to arrange the new fees, which now also include increased mess and establishment charges.
Dev criticized the increase, arguing that as a fully government-funded college, Miranda House should not impose such a substantial fee hike. She also mentioned ongoing renovations, including new furnishings and coolers in common rooms, but said these improvements have not alleviated students’ frustration.
The SFI has condemned the fee increase as a financial burden, describing it as a troubling trend where education is increasingly becoming a privilege rather than a right. The students’ union has called for greater transparency from the administration regarding the decision-making process behind the fee hike.
The revised fee structure is available on the college’s website. Odd semesters run from July to November/December, while even semesters span from December/January to May.