Caste slur haunts principal

MUMBAI: The principal of Sathaye College, Kavita Rege, on Friday dismissed the allegations levelled by Bahujan Vidyarthi Parishad (BVP) that the college was charging excess fee from SC/ST students in several degree-level courses.

Around 50 BVP members staged a protest on Friday at Mumbai University’s Fort campus and demanded suspension of Rege. “As per a circular passed by Mumbai university in 2004, SC/ST students have to pay only Rs120 as fee. But Sathaye college has been charging the same fee as from students in general category. There are three inquiries pending against the principal,” said Sushil Mahadik, general secretary, BVP.

However, Rege explained that full fee is charged only for BMS and B.Sc. (Information Technology) courses. “BMS and BSc. IT are unaided courses.  Since we don’t get government aid for these courses, we can’t offer subsidised fee,” she explained.

Meanwhile, an FIR was also lodged against Rege at Vile Parle police station for allegedly abusing a senior clerk over his backward caste.