4,200 cases, ₹25cr refunds: Fee complaints jump at pvt univs Out Of 5 Years, 50% Of These Filed Last Year

4,200 cases, ₹25cr refunds: Fee complaints jump at pvt univs Out Of 5 Years, 50% Of These Filed Last Year 

Manash.Gohain@timesofindia.com 05.01.2025

New Delhi : Private universities have emerged as the leading category for complaints regarding fee-related practices. . . , underscoring the necessity for closer examination of their fee structures. Data from the University Grants Commission's (UGC) Fee Nivaran Cell reveals that 4,257 complaints were resolved in the past five academic years, resulting in refunds totaling over ₹25.5 crore. This trend highlights an increase in fee-related irregularities across higher educational institutions (HEIs), with more than 50% of complaints filed in the academic year 2023-24 alone. Among states, Uttar Pradesh registered the highest number of complaints, followed by Delhi and Rajasthan. 

The Fee Nivaran Cell operates under the UGC's e-Samadhaan platform, enabling students to file grievances and seek redressal. Senior UGC officials assert that the rising complaint numbers reflect the system's growing effectiveness and its role in ensuring transparency in HEI practices. UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the cell's success, noting a refund rate of approximately 97%. He said: “It has processed complaints from 32 states and Union territories, with over 1,386 female students benefiting from refunds amounting to ₹8.71 crore. Our efforts have extended to all types of HEIs—central, state, private, deemed universities, and even institutes of national importance. Private universities accounted for the highest number of complaints, reflecting the need for continued vigilance in this sector.” Geographically, Uttar Pradesh led in complaints, with 827 cases resolved and refunds totaling nearly ₹4.96 crore. Delhi followed with 591 complaints and refunds of over ₹2.21 crore, while Rajasthan resolved 418 cases with refunds amounting to ₹1.65 crore. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal also featured prominently, with 381 and 377 complaints resolved, resulting in refunds of ₹1.99 crore and ₹0.92 crore, respectively.