Lucknow: Lucknow University has approved a proposal to provide paid astrology counseling through its Jyotish Paramarsha Kendra (Astrological Counseling Centre), people familiar with the matter said on Friday.
Lucknow University’s website states that it launched a regular course in Jyoti Vigyan (science of astrology) on October 18, 2001 (representative image).According to sources in the university’s finance committee, which approved the proposal, it included a consultancy fee ₹500 and ₹3,100, depending on the nature of the service.
The university’s website states that it launched a regular course in Jyoti Vigyan (Science of Astrology) on October 18, 2001. The university offers the course for BA and MA students through Hindi, English and Sanskrit.
The proposal states that Jyotish Paramarsha Kendra will offer advice on various topics including career choice, health concerns, marriage prospects, political fortune and Vastu.
“Vice-chancellor Prof JP Saini gave consent for prescribed fees for different services via Jyotish Paramarsh Kendra,” said Shyamlesh Kumar Tiwari, coordinator of the Jyotir Vigyan department.
As per approved plan, most consultation based on birth chart will last for minimum 15 minutes ₹1,500 per session. This includes advice on career and income sources, health issues, education, marriage, children, housing and financial status.
Brief advice on foreign travel prospects, social status and prestige and political career analysis is prescribed ₹500 for 15 minutes.
‘Hora Jyotish’ and palmistry sessions will be available for 30 minutes ₹700, while numerology-based counseling will be charged ₹1,700.
A brief horoscope will be provided within three days ₹500, a Medium Horoscope with ‘Lagna’ and ‘Chandra Chart’ in seven days ₹1,100, and a detailed horoscope with Shadvarga analysis within 15 days ₹3,100, as per the proposal.
15% discount on consultancy fees for university officials, the proposal said.
Former Lucknow University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roop Rekha Verma, however, condemned the move.
“I condemn this initiative as it is highly non-academic and not a science. Universities should be the center of knowledge and research. It cannot start selling products. A lot of research needs to be done to explain the rationale of calling it the science of astrology,” he said.
