The levying of excess fee under various pretexts from students in the SC/ST, OBC and OEC categories by self-financing colleges is a punishable offence, the director of the SC Development Department has warned. A press note issued here said many students from poor families found themselves unable to pursue education on account of such activities. This is a violation of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Action would be taken, under the laws to prevent atrocities against SC/STs, against the heads of such institutions, the press note added. — Special Correspondent
