Pune, 28 October 2025
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has issued a strong warning to the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) administration, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the newly imposed ₹365 compulsory fee for the “Career Katta” initiative. The student body has alleged that the university’s decision amounts to financial exploitationof nearly five lakh students, and warned that if the fee is not made optional, NSUI workers across Maharashtra will resort to self-immolation protests.
According to the NSUI’s memorandum submitted to the Vice-Chancellor, the state’s Department of Higher and Technical Education had earlier clarified that the Career Katta program is optional, not mandatory. Despite this, the university made participation compulsory and began collecting fees from all students. NSUI leaders accused the administration of “filling private pockets” under the guise of career guidance, even though multiple free career counseling platforms already exist and the university’s existing fee structure includes charges for such services.
“This decision is unjust and exploitative. If the circular is not withdrawn and the fee not made optional, around 200 NSUI members will commit mass self-immolation. The entire responsibility will rest with the university administration,” said Akshay Kamble, NSUI Maharashtra State Vice President.
Echoing the sentiment, Abhijit Gore, NSUI Pune District President, said, “At a time when students are already under severe financial pressure, imposing additional fees is inhumane. This decision rubs salt on students’ wounds. If it is not rolled back immediately, we will intensify our agitation.”
The protest has sparked widespread debate in student circles, with calls for transparency in how the collected funds will be utilized.
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