Jai Ram Thakur Urges Government to Roll Back University Fee Hike

Shimla, Aug. 3: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Monday urged the Himachal Pradesh government to withdraw the recent fee hike in state universities, alleging that the increase has placed an undue financial burden on students and their families.

In a statement, Thakur said the revised fee structure at Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Himachal Pradesh University and Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya has made higher education unaffordable for many students. He claimed that several students are reconsidering admission as the revised fees are significantly higher than those announced during the application process.

The BJP leader also criticised the reported proposal to reduce fare concessions in HRTC buses for senior citizens and other beneficiary categories. He alleged that the government was steadily reducing public welfare benefits, affecting students, youth, senior citizens and patients.

Commenting on the Bulk Drug Park project, Thakur said the government should focus on expediting its implementation instead of taking credit for the initiative. He said the project has the potential to generate substantial investment and employment opportunities in the state if completed on time.

Thakur also paid tributes to Himachal Pradesh’s first Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Parmar, on his 120th birth anniversary, remembering his contribution to the formation and development of the state.