Presidency students on indefinite strike against fee hike

Students at Presidency University have launched an indefinite sit-in on campus, demanding the immediate repeal of the decision to hike admission fees for the upcoming academic year. Around 20 students began their protest on Thursday night at the university's main campus on College Street, insisting on an immediate meeting with university officials. The sit-in continued through Friday, with the Students Federation of India (SFI) leading the movement.

Bitan Islam, an SFI member at Presidency University, stated, "We have been in talks with the recently constituted fee review committee since last week, but there has been no result. We want the university officials - the acting vice-chancellor, registrar, and dean - to talk to us directly."

A university official explained that the fee hike proposal is under consideration for the first time in almost a decade. The institution is facing a financial crisis affecting the purchase of new library books, laboratory equipment, and proper maintenance of existing facilities. The official clarified that the fee hike would only apply to new students. Bitan mentioned that the protesting students have suggested alternative funding methods to avoid burdening the students at the state-run university.