The state technology university has waived hostel, library and laboratory fees for its own students “till the university reopens in physical mode”.
The waiver will only apply to the 2,000-odd students who study programmes run directly by the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology.
The university had earlier waived the fees for three months during even semester in 2020 (April to June) after lockdown was imposed in March and for the entire odd semester 2020-2021 (July to December).
“Since instances of pandemic-induced financial constraints are on the rise in the subsequent period as well, the waiver will be offered till the resumption of physical classes,” said vice-chancellor Saikat Maitra.
A notice signed by the university’s registrar, Parthapratim Lahiri says: “….due to the pandemic situation arising out of the spread of Covid-19, hostel fees, library and laboratory fees of all in-house students will not be charged from the existing students till ….Hostel fees will be only charged from the foreign students who are staying at the hostel.”
VC Maitra said the financial constraints were being reported more increasingly now.
The hostel charge in each semester stands at Rs 9,000. The laboratory and library fees for the same are Rs 1,000 and Rs 600, respectively.
“Cases like family members suffering job loss or salary cuts during the prolonged run of the pandemic are being reported. Since we have been waiving tuition fees on a case-to-case basis, the university’s earnings have waned. Still we want to help as much as possible,” said VC Maitra.
Teachers’ Centre turns 50
Many teachers attended a programme on Tuesday to celebrate the golden jubilee of Teachers’ Centre, a society that has worked towards the empowerment of teachers and conducts training courses.
“The culmination of 50 years comes at a time when teachers are challenged to rethink, reimagine, realign existing learning systems,” said Sonali Lahiri of the centre.
The programme was held at South City International School. Several teachers were felicitated on the occasion. Some of them performed in a cultural show. “I think our teachers are Covid warriors too and they have come through all the challenges they have had to face. They have kept the wheels of education moving...,” said Ian Myers, the president of Teachers’ Centre and principal of Frank Anthony Public School.