The proposed fivefold hike in fees for the Indian Institutes of Technology, put forth by the Anil Kakodkar Committee in January, is likely to face stiff resistance. Sources stated that the ministry is unlikely to generate another controversy as several of its high profile proposals like the establishment of National Council for Higher Education and Research (an overarching body for higher education regulation body), Prohibition of Educational Malpractices Bill, the National Accreditation Regulatory Authority Bill and Foreign Educational Institution (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill have proved to be non-starters after they came under direct criticism from the Congress and its allies in the UPA government.
The committee has proposed that fee for B.Tech be hiked from the present `32,000 to `2.25 lakh. The panel has also suggested that IITs should charge tuition fee ranging from `2 to `2.5 lakh from a student every year. The panel felt that considering the high demand for IIT graduates and the salary industry provides them the hike would be justified. The proposals are likely to be put on the Internet for receiving feedback from stakeholders before a final call is taken by the IIT Council. “After comments from stakeholders, the recommendations will be tabled in the IIT council’s meeting to be held soon,” sources added.