Dharwad: Karnatak University to collect GST on affiliation fees

Dharwad: Affiliated colleges under Karnatak University (KUD) have been directed to pay 18% GST on affiliation fees from 2017–18 onwards following instructions issued by the government to universities. The university has circulated notices asking colleges to clear the GST dues accumulated over the past eight years.

According to the circular issued by the College Development Council (CDC), colleges have been asked to remit the amount in three installments before the affiliation notification for the 2028–29 academic year is issued.

Several college managements have objected to the move. A principal of a private college in Dharwad said the institution had been asked to pay around Rs 2 lakh as GST on affiliation fees and argued that educational institutions should not be subjected to such taxation. He indicated that colleges may approach the court.

KUD Vice-Chancellor A M Khan said the university would write to the government seeking exemption, citing judicial observations that GST should not be levied on affiliation fees. University officials also pointed to previous court orders that had provided relief in similar cases.