Maharashtra Waives Exam Fees for 2.4 Lakh Drought-Affected Students
The Maharashtra government has waived examination fees for over 2.4 lakh students impacted by drought, aiming to support their education.
Over 2.4 lakh students from 26 universities benefit from fee waivers.
The deadline for submitting examination forms is October 30.
The initiative is part of a broader relief effort affecting 305 drought-affected talukas.
In a significant move to support students affected by drought, the Maharashtra government has waived examination fees for 2.4 lakh students enrolled in 26 state universities. This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial strain on students from drought-impacted areas, ensuring that their education remains uninterrupted despite economic hardships.
As per the Higher and Technical Education Department, a total of 240,365 students have availed themselves of this fee-waiver program. The government has mandated that universities refrain from collecting examination fees from eligible students residing in the 305 talukas identified as drought-affected. This measure is expected to benefit more than five lakh students in total, with the deadline for submitting examination forms set for October 30.
Eligible students can utilize the “zero challan” option when filling out their examination forms, allowing them to complete the process without incurring any fees. Additionally, universities have been instructed to refund any fees previously collected from eligible students. The University of Mumbai has already initiated refunds totaling approximately Rs 3.5 crore. Authorities are closely monitoring the implementation to ensure that eligible students receive these benefits without delays.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that students' education is not hindered by financial difficulties stemming from drought. He reassured that the process is ongoing, and eligible students should not miss out on this relief initiative.
The expansion of drought-hit areas to 305 talukas was formalized in a government resolution on September 25, prompting the Higher and Technical Education Department to direct universities to implement the fee exemption and inform students accordingly. Dr. Shailendra Deolankar, Director of Higher Education, confirmed that universities have been instructed to provide the zero-fee option to students who have not yet submitted their forms and to arrange refunds for those who have already paid. The government continues to monitor the rollout to ensure that students receive the intended financial relief effectively.
