Student Union Fees — In a surprising turn, hundreds of students across Kolkata’s degree colleges are being charged student union fees every semester—even though student unions have been officially banned for years. The cash is supposedly meant for union-level activities, but in many cases, no union actually functions. Students are now questioning the legality, transparency, and integrity of this widespread practice.
The Ban on Student Unions
Student unions in public colleges across West Bengal were banned in 2006, amid concerns over political exploitation and campus violence. While non-political clubs—like arts, debating, and sports—are allowed, formal union elections, office-bearers, and collectives are not approved.
Despite this, the charges labeled “union fees” have persisted, typically ranging from ₹100–₹200 per semester.
Scope of Fee Collection
- Over 50 colleges across Kolkata continue this practice, as reported by student surveys and campus forums.
- Fees appear on official fee receipts or online college portals, often without explanation.
- Total revenue is likely substantial—potentially amounting to lakhs per college annually.
Student Union Fees: Student Reactions
- Second-year arts student, Priya Das:
“We pay the so-called union fee but no elections happen, no union meeting is held—what are we actually paying for?”
- Final-year science student, Rohit Sen:
“This money isn’t listed in college financial statements or used in departmental activities, so where does it go?”
Administrative Absence
College administrations often claim:
- The fee is a legacy provision still embedded in college rules.
- It is routed to “student welfare”, a broad fund category used for printing bulletins, cultural events, and support services.
- The college principal or bursar usually approves the fee structure with university sanction.
But students point out the lack of itemized usage details and absence of student representation in oversight committees.
Why This Matters
- Legal validity: Collecting fees for a non-existent union raises questions about transparency and governance.
- Student rights: Without an elected forum, students have no voice in how their money is spent.
- Institutional accountability: The practice highlights deeper issues of financial opacity in higher education.
Broader Urban Context
West Bengal Masters’ and Degree Colleges are governed by university ordinances and the UGC (Universities Grants Commission). While UGC guidelines advocate student representation in welfare committees, there is no direct stipulation approving union fee collection without a functioning body.
Some states in India mandate a student council fee that guarantees elected representation and annual audits. However, similar formal structures are missing in Kolkata.
Legal Expert Opinion
Dr. Anjali Mehra, education law specialist:
“Charging fees labeled for unions without elections or representative bodies may violate principles of student governance and financial transparency. If funds are used for general welfare, fee labels must be updated and audited.”
Student-Led Pushback
A student group has drafted a formal petition requesting:
- Fee cancellation unless a union or equivalent body is active.
- Itemized financial audit of student welfare funds.
- Formation of a student advisory committee under UGC guidelines.
The petition is being circulated digitally and has collected over 2,000 signatures, spanning science, commerce, and arts streams.
Policy Recommendations & Next Steps
| Issue | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Fee Labeling | Rename “union fee” to “student welfare fee” |
| Student Representation | Ensure inclusion in welfare/sports councils |
| Financial Transparency | Publish detailed usage statements online |
| Regulatory Oversight | Universities should spot-audit college finances |
| Legal Review | Seek clarity under UGC and state university rules |
External Resources
- UGC Guidelines on Student Participation in Governance: https://www.ugc.gov.in
- West Bengal University College Ordinances: https://www.wbuec.ac.in
- Case Law on Student Union Fee Transparency: Indian Courts Community Portal
- Education Budgetary Norms Study – National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA)
Final Thoughts
As college administrations prepare new fee structures for the upcoming semester, now is a critical moment for change. If rebranded and reformed with student oversight, the much-criticized “union fee” could evolve into a transparent welfare fund supporting campus events, student aids, and academic enhancement.
But unless authorities act to audit, rename, and involve students, the practice will remain a troubling relic—symbolic of systemic neglect that undermines trust in higher education. For Kolkata to maintain its reputation as a centre of learning and democratic values, financial accountability must keep pace with academic legacies.
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