New Delhi, Jan 22: IGNOU has decided to go in for a
20 per cent hike in fee, which will affect more than 20 lakh
students, following revision in teachers` pay scale.
The Academic Council of the varsity has suggested the
hike to meet the additional expenditure arising out of the pay
revision. The decision is pending the clearance of the
Council`s board of management.
Confirming the academic council`s decision, sources in
the university said the hike once cleared will be applicable
to students enrolling in the new session from July as well to
the existing students.
About five lakh students enroll IGNOU programmes during
fresh sessions.
However, they added, the hike would also help the
varsity, considered the largest open university in the world,
improve the quality of education imparted and roll out more
innovative programmes in the months ahead.
But social sector courses will be kept out of the purview
of fee hike, they said.
Sources though refused to predict if the hike will affect
the enrollment figure.
Being easily accessible and affordable, IGNOU programmes
are much sought after among all sections of society.
IGNOU`s decision comes when most of the regular varsities
are yet come out with a decision in this regard.
Bureau Report
