The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has asked institutions and colleges affiliated to it to charge only for those facilities that are provided to the students during the Covid-19 pandemic period. It has also been directed that institutions can charge the maintenance fee of mess and transport.

The decision comes after AICTE received complaints from students and parents that some of the institutions are charging for hostels and transport fees, which are not availed by students during the pandemic period.

The educational institutions across the country have resorted to online classes to continue the teaching-learning process during Covid-19 lockdown. According to the new Ministry of Home Affairs Unlock-4 guidelines on reopening of schools, educational institutions and coaching centres said that these will continue to remain closed till September 30.

“In view of the above, all Institutions/colleges are strictly advised to charge the fees commensurate with the facilities that they are providing during pandemic and not charge fees for those portions which are not accessible to students during the coming semester; failing which action will be taken as per the prevailing rules,” read an AICTE statement.

Earlier, AICTE has asked technical institutions to return the full fee to students who withdraw their names before a stipulated date as decided by the council.

Source: NDTV

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