Pune University Students Block Vice Chancellor’s Car, Demand Rollback of Exam Fee Hike and Other Student Relief Measures
Reported by Anil Dhanwate
Pune, 8th October 2025: Students of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Tuesday blocked the car of Vice Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi outside the main building, demanding the cancellation of the recent examination fee hike and other student welfare measures. The protest began around 11 a.m. and was organized by members of the Adhisabha and the university student body.
The students submitted several demands, including:
Waiver of examination fees for students affected by heavy rains in Marathwada
Cancellation of the 20% increase in exam fees
Relief regarding competitive exam center fees, hostel and mess charges
Increase in the honorarium for the Earn and Learn scheme
Provision of free facilities at the university health center
Several student leaders, including Shiva Barole, Harshal Chavan, and Ganesh Shinde, along with some members of the university senate, participated in the protest.
Speaking to the media, Barole said, “For the past one to one-and-a-half months, we have been presenting our demands to the Vice Chancellor, but he has consistently ignored us. Every time, we are told, ‘I will see, I will do it.’”
Barole further added, “The situation in Marathwada is dire due to heavy rains. Students from rural areas face financial difficulties, and the 20% increase in examination fees is a burden. The Vice Chancellor must consider our demands and address these basic student needs promptly.”
The protest concluded peacefully, and the students have appealed for urgent attention to their demands from the university administration.
The vice chancellor did not respond to calls and messages for his version.
