Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Nov 30: In a development that has sparked serious concern across the student community, several final-semester students of SSM College of Engineering have accused the institution of demanding illegal fines, failing them in internal subjects as retaliation, and withholding their certificates in open violation of the University of Kashmir’s (KU) explicit instructions.
A group of students told news agency JKNS that the college administration demanded fines ranging between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 per student during their 8th semester. When they refused to pay the amount, the students said the college allegedly retaliated by marking them absent and failing them in two internal papers Industrial Training and Project Viva despite having completed all required work.
A student wishing anonymity said SSM College’s actions derailed their entire academic schedule, “We refused to pay the unjustified fine. After that, the college marked us absent and failed us in two internal papers even though we had completed all the requirements.”
Irony is that the college is demanding late fees even on registering backlog forms as well, student said.
According to the students, they then filed a formal complaint with the University of Kashmir, which immediately initiated an inquiry. They said KU found merit in their complaint and held fresh internal examinations under its own supervision.
Another student said, “The University of Kashmir supported us completely. They conducted our internal exams themselves and clearly instructed SSM College not to demand any fine or excessive amount from us.”
However, despite KU’s instructions, the students allege the college continues to insist on the same fine and has now begun withholding their certificates, jeopardising their academic future and job prospects.
Another student said, “Even after KU’s decision, the college still keeps demanding the fine. They are refusing to release our certificates. Our future is being held hostage.”
One of the students expressed deep concern about how the delay could impact those from financially weak backgrounds.
“If my degree or marks are delayed, my entire career will suffer. My family cannot afford these fines. The fear of losing opportunities because of this harassment is mentally exhausting.”
Another student highlighted concerns for those who have pending backlogs, “Students with backlogs are terrified. Their degrees might reach the college later, and there is a real fear that new fines will be imposed again before releasing them. This uncertainty is taking a toll on all of us.”
The students also alleged that SSM College has been charging arbitrary fees for years.
“We paid ₹10,000 as security deposit which was never refunded, ₹500 every semester for a registration form that costs ₹10, ₹20 for the principal’s signature, and ₹1,000 for parking our cars on a government road if we didn’t take their bus or hostel. These charges have become routine.”
Another student narrated how the issue escalated, “Months ago, during internal exams, we were forced to sign a deceptive form stating that SSM takes no fine. We refused. They then withheld our project viva signatures and pressured us again. When we approached KU, they supported us. But even after strict KU instructions, the college continues to demand the fine.”
“Our academic achievements and future prospects are at risk. The pressure is unbearable. We appeal to higher authorities to intervene immediately.”
Vice-Chairperson of SSM Dilafroz Qazi, when contacted, denied the allegations leveled against the college.
She told JKNS that “the college has not taken any kind of penalty fee from any student, adding that SSM College is the only institution with the lowest fee structure of ₹46,000 among all private colleges in the Valley.”
“There are some people who are trying to malign this institute and I want to repeat that we charge the lowest fees among all. Some people are trying to discredit us,” she said.
When asked about the Dean, College Development Council, University of Kashmir, who was also said to have knowledge about the matter, she alleged that ‘he is involved with some new institutes and is trying to create problems for the college.’
The Vice-Chairperson further said, “I am saying this on record, ours is the oldest college and the Dean is creating problems.”
“Some new institutions have come up and they may be acting in ‘connivance’ with the Dean,” she added.
She further alleged, “The Dean is telling students to come forward and file complaints against the college. Our Mechanical Engineering and other departments were closed earlier, yet this is the only college that has ‘not laid off’ its staff all our teachers are still on the rolls and the Dean is trying to create trouble.”
Earlier this week, the University of Kashmir issued a strong circular after receiving multiple complaints regarding excessive charges by private affiliated colleges.
The circular issued by the Assistant Registrar, College Development Council, states, “It has come to the notice of this office that certain affiliated private colleges are charging excess fees from students under various heads such as university service charges, promotional fee, etc. The fee fixed by the Fee Fixation Committee is inclusive of University Service Charges. The fee notification explicitly mentions that no other fee shall be charged other than examination fee and eligibility fee.”
The notice further directs, “All affiliated colleges are directed to charge fees strictly as per the notified structure and to furnish complete details of fees charged under all heads. Any deviation shall be viewed seriously and will invite appropriate action.”
Despite KU’s firm directive, students maintain that SSM College has not stopped demanding the fine nor released their certificates.
They have appealed to the authorities to step in, saying the ongoing situation has escalated beyond a fee dispute and now directly threatens their careers, academic timelines, and mental well-being.
Speaking to JKNS, University of Kashmir’s Dean, College Development Council, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad said that a committee has been constituted and the issue is currently being examined.
He said, “The matter is already in our notice and we are monitoring it closely. I will personally follow up on it as well.”
Prof. Khurshid added, “A broader committee has been formed, and the university will not remain a silent spectator. We have written to the college regarding the issue, but the college has completely denied the allegations. However, we will thoroughly examine the complaints to ascertain the facts and take appropriate action.”
He further said, “I will personally review the issue again, and I hope and assure that the matter will be clarified within a week.” (JKNS)
