Punjabi University Patiala students shut gates in protest against fee hike

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Students demand rollback of steep fee hike and better hostel facilities, warning of intensified protests if their demands remain unmet.

Patiala, August 24

Students of the United Sikh Students Federation at Punjabi University, Patiala, shut the university gates in protest against a steep increase in course fees and poor hostel conditions.

The gate closure prevented students, officials and visitors from entering the campus. Student leaders said the protest would continue until the fee hike is withdrawn and hostel facilities are improved. The university administration has been facing sustained student protests over the fee increase. Demonstrations have been held outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office since August 12, while students also gheraoed the Vice-Chancellor’s residence recently.

Student leaders said the increased fees would place an additional financial burden on students, particularly those from rural areas. They said Punjabi University is a major institution serving thousands of students from villages across the Malwa region. The students said the gate closure aimed to draw the administration’s attention to their demands. They warned that if the fee hike is not rolled back, they would intensify their agitation in the coming days.