Stand up, speak up: UoP students rally for lower fees

Hold sit-in outside VC’s office to protest against administration’s policies

PESHAWAR:

Students of University of Peshawar (UoP) held a sit-in outside the vice chancellor’s office on Wednesday to demand a reduction in admission and hostel fees.

Members of a large number of student federations – including People Students Federation, Pukhtoon Students Federation, Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba – and societies protested against the varsity’s administration.

They threatened to continue with their demonstration till their demands were met.

Strain on the pocket

Speaking to The Express Tribune, People Student Federation President Riaz Yousafzai said around 1,000 students gathered outside the VC’s office to voice their objections over the administration’s policies.

“We have boycotted classes and most departments have been closed,” he said. “Students are protesting the annual admission and hostel fees which are much higher as compared to other universities in the province.”

According to Yousafzai, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar charges Rs14,000 as its annual hostel fee.

“Meanwhile, UoP charges Rs27,000 for hostel accommodation,” he said.

“In addition, they also charge students for other facilities as well. Many of them cannot afford these expenses.”

Yousafzai said students also urged the administration to establish a new hostel. He also criticised the varsity’s dropout policy in the semester system.



Pukhtoon Student Federation President Yasir Ali told The Express Tribune students from other universities received scholarships and laptops under various schemes introduced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. “However, UoP’s administration has deprived students of these rights,” he said.

The other view

Speaking to The Express Tribune, UoP Spokesperson Akhtar Amin said routine activities at the university had not screeched to a halt due to  the sit-in.

“No departments have been closed,” he said.

An official privy to the development said students have misconceptions about the scholarships issued by the prime minister.

“They are only for deserving students in the morning shift,” he said. “Students who attend the university in the evening shift or finance their own education are exempted from them.”

The official said the university increases the admission and hostel fees every year by 10% as per its policy.

“We have also issued laptops and scholarships to deserving students,” he said. “However, we have not received new laptops from the government this year. Once we receive them, we will distribute them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 3^rd,  2015.