In a notable announcement, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) recently declared its admission fee to be an incredibly low ₹5 and the hostel security fee to be merely ₹50. This unprecedented move is aimed at making higher education more accessible to a wider population, particularly amid rising concerns about the affordability of education in India.

The decision comes at a time when many educational institutions are facing criticism for high tuition and other associated costs, putting a significant financial burden on students and their families. JNU, known for its progressive ethos and active student body, is attempting to set a precedent for other universities by emphasizing that education should be a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

While the low fees could democratize access to education, this move might spur discussions regarding the sustainability of university funding and resources. It remains to be seen how this will affect JNU's infrastructure and services in the long run, but the immediate reaction is one of optimism from students and advocates of accessible education.