'Time to get back to classes'

New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University on Wednesday decided to partially roll-back the hike in hostel fees following relentless protests by students for 16 days.

The university's Executive Council (EC) meeting decided that the non-refundable fee of Rs 12,000 will remain Rs 5,500, while the Economic Weaker Sections (ECW) will "receive assistance".

Announcing the decision on Twitter, Education Secretary of HRD Ministry said: "#JNU Executive Committee announces major roll-back in the hostel fee and other stipulations. Also proposes a scheme for economic assistance to the EWS students. Time to get back to classes."

According to the approved manual today, the single room rent has come down from Rs 300 to Rs 150, the earlier amount was Rs 20, this is only for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

However, the statement from the administration mentions that "major concessions have been given to students belonging to BPL category." The new manual has also removed clauses related to dress and hostel timings "from the hostel manual as per the feedback from the students."

The students had staged protest outside the AICTE, the venue for the convocation, on Monday. As the protests escalated, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' was stuck inside for over six hours and forced to cancel two scheduled events.