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The Telangana High Court is set to review whether Osmania University’s Vice Chancellor (VC) has the authority to reduce fees for affiliated colleges, following a petition questioning the legality of such a move.
The petition, filed by Koradala Naresh on behalf of the Telangana Private Degree College Management Association, challenges the VC’s decision to lower the “Other Fee” from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 7,500 for the academic year 2024-25. This fee adjustment was announced via a letter dated June 18, 2024.
Justice T. Vinod Kumar, during a preliminary hearing, issued notices to the relevant parties, including officials from the State’s Higher Education department and Osmania University. The court’s focus is on whether the VC possesses the authority to unilaterally alter fees established under University Ordinance XXXVII of 2016 and the Telangana Universities Act, 1991.
The petitioners argue that such a reduction falls outside the VC’s jurisdiction and should be decided by the University’s Executive Council. They contend that the unilateral fee cut contradicts the established ordinances and legal frameworks governing fee structures.
In contrast, the respondents argue that the fee reduction follows a 10% annual increase in tuition fees for undergraduate courses, which began in the 2023-24 academic year. They claim that the increased tuition fees now cover the expenses that were previously included in the higher “Other Fee,” thereby justifying its reduction.
The High Court has provided time for the respondents to submit their counter-affidavits. The next hearing is scheduled for August 13, 2024.The outcome of this case could impact fee structures across affiliated colleges and set a precedent for the authority of university officials in fee-related matters.