Following public outcry, SPPU dismisses plans to charge a fee for a walk on campus

In less than 24 hours, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) officials reversed their decision to charge ₹1,000 per month for people who walk to campus in the morning and evening.

Following a strong outcry, State Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant announced that the decision would be withdrawn.

Minister tweeted, “SPPU was planning to launch a programme called SPPU Oxy Park, in which common residents would be charged fees for morning and evening walks on campus. This decision has been put on hold, and they have been ordered to reform the scheme”.

Prafulla Pawar, Registrar of SPPU, confirmed this. “The scheme will be revamped, and we will provide more specifics later,” he said.

Previously, Registrar Prafulla Pawar published a circular concerning the ‘SPPU Oxy Park program,' which was to go into force on 21st June (Yoga Day), and would require outsiders (other than students and personnel) who visit the 411-acre campus for morning and evening walks to pay membership fees.

Furthermore, outsiders with membership cards would be permitted to exercise between 4.30 a.m. and 8 a.m., and later between 6.30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

In fact, the members would have had access to emergency medical services and a cardiac ambulance, as well as free parking, an open gym, free drinking water and toilet facilities, a concession in the university gymnasium, library, and sports facilities, among other benefits.

Meanwhile, the decision was received with much condemnation, because university grounds have long been a popular spot for morning walks. A number of people resorted to social media to express their displeasure with the university's action.