Kodungaiyur College Students Barred From Classes Over Unpaid Fee Hike

Several students at Sree Muthukumaraswamy College in Kodungaiyur have been barred from attending classes since August 3 due to non-payment of newly increased tuition fees. The college raised fees for the current academic year and required students to pay the entire semester amount in a single lump sum, prompting protests and formal complaints to state and university officials.

The fee hike raised charges by ₹1,000 to ₹16,000 for second-year students and by ₹2,000 to ₹17,000 for third-year students. Students stated that the hike was announced on June 7, shortly before the college reopened on June 15, with a payment deadline set for July 31. A faculty message warned that failure to pay by the due date would result in attendance not being enrolled in the official portal.

Students raised concerns over the change in payment procedure, noting that fees were previously collected in two installments. Many reported financial distress due to the short window provided to raise the full amount upfront, with some students already missing two weeks of classes ahead of upcoming examinations.

Following protests, students alleged that college management threatened them with expulsion. In response, affected students submitted complaints to the University of Madras, sent letters to the Chief Minister, and lodged grievances at the Chief Minister's Cell. In addition to seeking more time to pay their fees, students demanded basic facility upgrades at the campus, including a playground, a well-built canteen, and hygienic toilets.

A senior faculty member at the college stated that students were intimated about the fee revision via WhatsApp in April 2026, providing them three months' notice. The faculty member added that fees had not been raised in a long time and suggested students may not have informed their parents.

Addressing the issue, Rita John, Registrar of the University of Madras, stated that the university will look into the matter, adding that student well-being remains of utmost importance.