---
title: "Chennai College Bars Students Over Fee Hike, Cites Non-Payment"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/chennai-college-students-barred-from-classes-fee-hike-uoari
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-11T23:30:25.745Z
modified: 2026-08-12T02:00:12.613Z
language: en-IN
---

# Chennai College Bars Students Over Fee Hike, Cites Non-Payment

Sree Muthukumaraswamy College in Chennai has prevented students from attending classes since August 3 due to unpaid fees, which were increased this academic year. Students are protesting the fee hike and payment schedule, citing financial hardship and lack of justification.

## Key takeaways

- Students at Sree Muthukumaraswamy College in Chennai have been unable to attend classes since August 3 due to non-payment of increased fees.
- The college raised fees by up to ₹2,000 for second and third-year students, requiring full payment by July 31.
- Students cite financial difficulties and a lack of justification for the fee hike and payment schedule.
- Allegations of threatened expulsion have been made by students who protested the new fee structure.
- The University of Madras has stated it will investigate the matter.

Students at Sree Muthukumaraswamy College in Kodungaiyur, Chennai, have been unable to attend classes since August 3 because of outstanding fee payments. The college reportedly increased tuition for the current academic year, prompting student protests and allegations of threatened expulsion.

## What Happened

The college implemented fee increases for second-year students by ₹1,000 to ₹16,000 and for third-year students by ₹2,000 to ₹17,000. Students stated they were notified of the fee adjustments just one week before the college reopened on June 15, with the entire semester's fees due by July 31. A message from the faculty indicated that failure to pay by the deadline would result in non-enrollment of attendance in the portal.

Students have voiced concerns that the fee hike lacks justification and that the usual payment option of two installments was replaced with a demand for lump-sum payment. This upfront payment requirement has caused distress for students from low-income families.

Following their protests against the fee increase and payment terms, students alleged that college management issued threats of expulsion. In response, students have lodged complaints with the University of Madras, the Chief Minister's office, and the Chief Minister's Cell.

## Key Facts

- Students at Sree Muthukumaraswamy College in Kodungaiyur, Chennai, have been denied class attendance since August 3.
- The college increased fees by ₹1,000 for second-year students (to ₹16,000) and by ₹2,000 for third-year students (to ₹17,000).
- Students were informed of the fee increase on June 7, with the full semester fees due by July 31.
- A faculty message stated that non-payment by the due date would lead to non-enrollment of attendance.
- Students complained about the lack of justification for the hike and the requirement for lump-sum payment instead of installments.
- Students have filed complaints with the University of Madras, the Chief Minister's office, and the Chief Minister's Cell.
- A senior faculty member stated students were informed via WhatsApp in April 2026 and had three months' notice, with the fees not having been increased for a long time.
- University of Madras Registrar Rita John stated the university will investigate the matter.

## Background

Students have requested more time for fee payment, citing their socio-economic backgrounds and the needs of single-parent households. They have also demanded improvements in college facilities, including a better playground, canteen, and toilets.

A senior faculty member offered a different timeline, stating students were notified of the fee increase in April 2026 via WhatsApp, indicating they had three months to prepare. This faculty member also mentioned that the fees had not been increased for an extended period.

University of Madras Registrar Rita John assured that the university would look into the issue, emphasizing the importance of student well-being.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/chennai-college-students-barred-from-classes-fee-hike-uoari
Reported from: Multiple Sources