MG varsity Syndicate in Keralam triples sitting fee to ₹3,000, triggers row

Mahatma Gandhi University’s new Syndicate has given itself a three-fold hike in sitting fee, raising it from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 and triggering protests from Left-backed employees’ organisations over the timing of the move.

In an order issued on Friday, the recently reconstituted Syndicate, appointed by the UDF government, raised the sitting fee.

The Syndicate has justified the increase citing the “nature and extent of the responsibilities entrusted to the members”. It said members devote considerable time and effort to attending Syndicate meetings, examining files and documents, participating in Standing Committees and taking decisions on matters crucial to the functioning and development of the university.

It also pointed out that Syndicate members of other universities are paid higher sitting fees and said the enhancement was warranted considering the responsibilities involved.