Colleges Charging Exam Fees to Drought-Hit Students to Face Action: Maha Minister

Mumbai, October 13 : Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has directed university authorities to ensure that colleges do not collect examination fees from students belonging to drought-affected talukas, warning that strict action will be taken against institutions violating the government’s directives.

The state government has declared drought-like conditions in 265 talukas across 34 districts. In view of the situation, the Directorate of Higher Education has issued a circular directing the exemption of examination fees for eligible students from the affected regions to provide them with financial relief.

Patil said farmers and ordinary families, particularly in the Marathwada region, were facing severe financial difficulties due to drought conditions. He stressed that students should not be burdened with additional examination expenses during this challenging period.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also made it clear that examination fees should not be collected from eligible students, Patil said.

The minister directed university authorities to ensure strict implementation of the government’s instructions and initiate action as per the rules against colleges found collecting examination fees in violation of the directives.

The instructions were issued to officials of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University during an online meeting attended by senior officials from the Higher and Technical Education departments and other concerned authorities.

Patil reiterated that safeguarding students’ academic interests and providing financial relief to families affected by drought remained a priority for the state government.