The second SLC meeting of the year took place online over two sessions on 22nd June and 29th June 2024.
Detailed minutes of the meeting can be found in SLC’s official correspondence on smail along with the vote count for each agenda item. This is a view of the highlights of the discussions that took place during the meeting.
Discussion on the Recent Fee Hike for Post-graduate Students
The recent fee hike for post-graduate students in IITM ignited a range of reactions and led to a broader discussion about financial accessibility, transparency, and the future direction of the institution. The new fee structure is as follows:
MTech: Increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 25,000 (a 400% hike)
MSc: Jumped from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 25,000
MA: Increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000
PhD Hostellers: Shot up from Rs. 26,950 to Rs. 51,500
PhD Day Scholars: Jumped from Rs.22,850 to Rs. 46,500
A report by the ad-hoc committee set up to investigate this underlined the lack of transparency in the fee adjustment process, fuelling calls for a more structured and justified approach.
In recent meetings with the administration, it was clarified that the fee hike would not impact current scholars. The Dean of Students (DoST) explained that IITM had fallen behind the other IITs in fee increments and defended the hike as essential in order to to align IITM’s fees with those of other leading institutions and to address historical underfunding, but conceded that a gradual increase would have been preferable to avoid a sudden shock to the system. Although he assured that such a steep increase would not be a recurring event, some remain skeptical about the long-term implications and the possibility of future hikes.
The ad-hoc committee proposed several recommendations to address the concerns raised. These include reconsidering the fee hike, implementing gradual future increases, and providing concessions for OBC-NCL and EWS students. They also suggested that MA and MSc fees be set lower than MTech fees due to their non-professional nature. In addition, they recommended installment payments for students facing financial difficulties and advocated for student representation in fee discussions to ensure a more balanced decision-making process.
During the meeting, opinions expressed on the fee hike were diverse. Some suggested that the increase should address infrastructure and facility expansion rather than being solely absorbed by tuition. Others noted a possible correlation between recent stipend hikes for PhD scholars and subsequent fee increases, indicating a pattern where benefits like increased stipends are counterbalanced by higher fees. Concerns about the impact of the fee hike on prospective students were also raised, with suggestions to survey candidates and understand their primary reasons for not opting to join IITM while maintaining their privacy.
A broader issue at hand is whether financial constraints are compromising the accessibility of education. Many studies indicate that financial constraints imposed by the government on institutions like IITs and NITs correlate to increased dropout rates, with many students unable to pursue education due to financial burdens.
Roll Call Realities and the New Vote-Tracking Software
The SLC meeting’s roll call highlighted ongoing issues with proxy attendance, questioning the effectiveness of the current system in genuinely representing student voices. To address this, a new vote-tracking software has been introduced. This software aims to streamline the vote-counting process and ensure that decisions are made efficiently, with the added benefit of addressing student grievances in a prompt manner.
Parliamentary Trip Investigation: Ensuring Transparency
An ad-hoc committee has been tasked with investigating the selection process for parliamentary trips, following numerous complaints about its lack of transparency. Given that these trips are funded by student fees, the committee aims to ensure that the selection process is fair and inclusive, providing all students with equal opportunities rather than benefiting a select few.
Youth Parliament, Model UN, and Pan IIT Student Government Summit
Plans for the Youth Parliament and Model United Nations, high-profile events sponsored by the Indian Ministry, and the Pan IIT Student Government Summit, are underway.
While these events may promise grandeur, it is essential to assess their impact on the GSB. The focus should be on ensuring that these events enrich the student experience and are not merely prestigious showcases funded by student fees.
Budgets and Reimbursement
The increased focus on the budget formulation process was highlighted by the Speaker, who spoke about the detailed budget formulation process that is set to be followed this year.
In a bid to enhance efficiency, the reimbursement process is being digitized. Reimbursements will now be processed within a day, with strict scrutiny of post-dated bills to prevent last-minute financial adjustments. This shift aims to ensure financial accountability, though it has been met with mixed reactions. The SLC also proposed involving standing committee chairpersons in the reimbursement approval process to maintain transparency and prevent financial missteps.
Selections and Rulebook Reviews
The SLC is also revisiting the selection procedures for various student positions. The formation of a Rule Book Review Committee aims to ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and that selection panels are properly constituted.
The SLC Standing Committee on Hostel Affairs is currently reviewing the rulebook to clarify responsibilities and enhance transparency. While these revisions may prove promising, their actual impact on overall functioning remains to be seen. The key challenge will be ensuring that these updates lead to substantial improvements rather than just superficial changes.
