After a gap of 13 years, Delhi University has decided to increase the annual university development fee (UDF) amounting to `300 charged from students  from the academic year 2022-23.

“We have decided to slightly increase the UDF from `600 to `900 in view of the reduction in capital grants by the University Grants Commission (UGC),” DU Registrar Vikas Gupta said.

DU had constituted a university development fund committee to consider the allocation of funds for various activities like construction of new buildings and procurement of laboratory equipments.

The committee’s recommendations were accepted in the meeting of DUs Executive Council held on December 17 despite dissent by a few members.

The panel comprising former pro-vice-chancellor PC Joshi and Registrar Gupta said the UGC was not releasing sufficient grant for laboratory and other equipments for the last three to four years and had allocated `1.25 crore in financial year 2021-22.

A section of DU teachers termed the fee hike “unfortunate”.

“It shows that DU is not receiving UGC grants it requires for maintenance,” said Abha Dev Habib, a former Executive Council member.

“Unfortunately, fees are being increased and students are being charged for lab facilities to do research. DU cannot progress if the cost of maintenance, apparatus and facilities is put on the students,” she added.

Academic Council member Alok Pandey said: “In the centenary year, when DU is carrying out various activities, it should not raise the fees as it would add to the pressure on students.”