Complaints addressed to chief minister C Joseph Vijay allege: The wider industry impact

Since June this year, more than 500 complaints have been forwarded to Anna University alone, seeking action on them

Since June this year, more than 500 complaints have been forwarded to Anna University alone. Some collect 25,000 per semester from students under the 7.5% special reservation for govt school students, although state govt reimburses their full fees. “More than 100 complaints were forwarded to our university every month. The university is verifying the genuineness of these complaints and trying to resolve issues in 30 days,” Anna University registrar (in-charge) V Kumaresan said.

Sources said complaints extended beyond engineering colleges. Chennai: TheChief minister’s cell has seen a barrage of student complaints about excess fees for govt-quota engineering seats, delayed certificates, poor-quality food in hostel messes, shortages of qualified teachers and exam-related issues. Complaints addressed to chief minister C Joseph Vijay allege colleges charge govt quota students special, sports and placement training fees. Anna University raised complaints with respective colleges, and in many cases students recovered money and certificates. TN Dr MGR Medical University is examining excess-fee complaints against medical colleges, while University of Madras is addressing similar complaints against arts and science colleges. University of Madras distance-mode students complained that non-teaching staff were harsh towards them.

“As per the instructions from the higher education department, we will resolve complaints by the first week of Nov,” he added. University appointed a nodal officer to track complaints.