JAMMU, Jul 27: Mission Statehood President Sunil Dimple on Monday led a protest rally on Janipur High Court Road, joined by a large number of parents, students, and youth, against the alleged high fee structure introduced by the University of Jammu for the 2026–27 academic session. The protesters also demanded the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in Jammu and the operationalisation of the Government Medical College (GMC) at Katra.
Addressing the gathering, Dimple criticised the University of Jammu and the Higher Education Department over what he described as an “exorbitant” fee structure compared with that of the University of Kashmir. He alleged that students in Jammu were being subjected to discrimination and questioned the reasons behind the wide disparity in fees for similar academic programmes.
Citing a comparison of course fees, Dimple claimed that the fee for M.A. Political Science at the University of Jammu is Rs 19,750 compared with Rs 9,998 at the University of Kashmir. Similarly, he alleged that M.Sc. Environmental Science costs Rs 29,050 at Jammu University against Rs 10,745 at Kashmir University, while MCA students are charged Rs 34,470 at Jammu University compared with Rs 10,745 at Kashmir University.
He further claimed that the five-year B.A. LL.B. programme at the University of Jammu carries a fee of Rs 42,801, whereas the corresponding course at the University of Kashmir costs Rs 13,820, resulting in a difference of Rs 28,981.
Demanding an explanation from the University administration and the Higher Education Department, Dimple called for an immediate review of the fee structure. He asserted that education is a fundamental right and should not become a privilege available only to those who can afford high fees. He urged the authorities to ensure transparency and adopt an affordable and rational fee structure so that students from ordinary families are not denied access to higher education due to financial constraints.
Dimple also appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to establish a National Law University in Jammu, make the Government Medical College at Katra functional, and appoint local Vice-Chancellors in all universities across Jammu and Kashmir.
He further alleged that unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir continues to rise due to the failure of recruitment agencies such as the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) to conduct timely recruitment.
Warning of an intensified agitation if their demands remain unaddressed, Dimple said the movement would continue until the authorities respond positively to the concerns raised by students and parents.
Among those present at the protest were Dev Raj, Vipan Gupta, Rakesh Sharma, Mukesh Gupta, Ram Kumar Das, Shafi Khan, Akbar Khan, and several other supporters.