All Universities have an annual ritual of holding a convocation and a month or so prior to this the students must inform if they would like to receive their passing/ degree certificates in person or by post. Whichever be the case, the university charges a nominal amount to issue the certificates. On convocation day several students are handed over the certificates by Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor or a chief guest.
A substantial sum is spent on the grand ceremony towards venue (if hired), decorations, transports, hiring of graduation gowns for the dignitaries and faculties, high tea and so forth.
The moot point is why are students made to pay for the certificates which they have earned by toiling day and night? Considering these aspects and the fact that the universities are capable of spending liberally on convocations (from their budget or of sponsors), they should refrain from charging the students for the legally entitled degree certificates. Similarly, the students should be lent the graduation gowns at no-cost. These are minimum give-backs from any university to make the convocation a memorable day for the students and their families.
