SHILLONG, APR 6: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has strongly opposed the proposed increase in student fees in government colleges across Meghalaya, terming the move “unjust and regressive.”

In a letter addressed to Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Monday, the Council’s Education Cell stated that the proposed hike would disproportionately impact students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“This decision is not only unjust and regressive but also profoundly anti-student, as it disproportionately burdens economically disadvantaged students and those from rural and marginalised backgrounds,” the letter stated.

The HYC argued that government colleges were established to ensure equitable and affordable access to higher education, and warned that any fee increase would undermine this fundamental principle.

The Council also questioned the government’s justification for the hike on the grounds of financial autonomy, asserting that such autonomy should not come “at the cost of accessibility and inclusiveness.”

Highlighting ground realities, the letter noted that delays in scholarship disbursements have already placed students under financial strain, and cautioned that a fee hike would further deepen educational inequality.

The HYC demanded immediate withdrawal of the proposal, enhanced government funding for colleges, timely release of scholarships, and greater consultation with students before implementing any policy changes.

“The Council reiterates its unwavering stand in support of the student community and will continue to oppose any policy that undermines their rights and future,” said HYC Joint Secretary Pynskhem Kharjahrin.