A large-scale student protest erupted at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati today, as hundreds of students staged sit-ins and demonstrations across the campus in response to a significant hike in tuition and hostel fees. The agitation, which began peacefully over the weekend, intensified on Monday as students refused to attend classes.
💸 What Triggered the Protest?
The controversy began after the administration announced a 25–30% increase in hostel charges and tuition fees for the upcoming academic session. Undergraduate and postgraduate students alike have expressed outrage, stating that the hike was implemented without proper consultation or advance notice.
📊 Details of the Fee Hike
According to student representatives, the hostel fee has been raised from ₹17,000 to ₹22,000 per semester, while tuition fees for general category students increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.25 lakh per year. The fee for mess deposits and maintenance also saw substantial revisions.
Students from economically weaker backgrounds are particularly affected, with many claiming the new fee structure is unsustainable.
📣 Students’ Demands and Response
Protesters are calling for:
-
Immediate rollback of the increased fees
-
Transparent explanation from the administration
-
Formation of a student-administration committee for financial decisions
Placards reading “Education is not a commodity”, and “Stop Profiteering from Students” were displayed around academic blocks and hostels.
🗣️ Statements from the Protestors
A third-year engineering student told reporters:
“We were not informed in advance. Many students here come from modest families, and this hike makes IIT education out of reach for them.”
Another student added:
“We want dialogue, not decisions made behind closed doors.”
🏛️ IIT Guwahati Administration Responds
In response, IIT Guwahati officials issued a statement claiming that the fee revision was necessary due to rising operational costs, maintenance of new infrastructure, and national policy guidelines. They assured that financial aid and scholarship programs will be enhanced to support deserving students.
“We are open to discussing concerns with student representatives,” the institute spokesperson said.
However, students argue that these promises do not address the root issue of affordability and unilateral decision-making.
🔐 Classes Boycotted, Talks Continue
As of Monday evening, students have boycotted lectures and labs. Faculty members and administrative heads are reportedly attempting to mediate between protest leaders and the management.
The protest remains peaceful, with tightened campus security and growing attention from student unions across other IITs, who may join in solidarity.
📣 Wider Implications Across IITs
Education policy analysts note that this protest could trigger similar actions across other IITs and NITs, as rising fees in premier public institutions continue to spark discontent.
