Overview

• Hundreds of PhD and MTech scholars have held an indefinite sit-in since July 22, demanding that IIT Guwahati roll back its semester fee rise.
• The revision raised continuing student fees by Rs 8,900 per semester and set initial charges of up to Rs 92,000 for new PhD entrants, straining research budgets.
• Protesters allege the administration reneged on assurances made during a July 17 open-house and barred non-payers from registering for the term.
• Many scholars contend they are being double-billed because central HRA allowances remain unreleased even as hostel fees are still levied.
• IIT Guwahati defends the hike as essential for student-welfare funding and says only a small group outside elected channels is protesting, urging formal representations.