Student body wants exemption of fees for all

SHILLONG: The Shillong Manipuri Student Union has raised concern over the non inclusion of other sections of the society for exemption of fees in the state.
While hailing the government’s move to provide aid to BPL students, the union said it is the duty of the government to treat everyone equally during this disaster.
In a press release, the union termed the order ‘unfortunate’ as students staying at private rented houses and exemption of fees for non BPL category were not taken into consideration.
The union has also written to the chief minister on June 9 and apprised him of the difficulties faced by students and families during the lockdown in Shillong.
There are many students from different parts of North East states staying in private rented houses in the state to pursue their academic career and many students are not specified as BPL category, said the union.
Majority of them are from poor families living in private rented houses, it added.
According to the union, approximately 60 per cent of students studying in the state from other NE states are staying in private rented houses in different parts of Shillong.
Despite the hardships faced by the students and their families due to the pandemic, house owners in Shillong are warning them to pay full rent failing which they are asked to vacate their houses, it alleged.
The union asked the government for adoption of rules for private house and room owners to regulate issues like monthly rent-charge, rent hike, house and room condition, water etc.
The union also requested the government to consider exemption of fees partially or fully for all students of educational institutions.