The Maharashtra government has taken steps to assist over 2.4 lakh students impacted by drought by waiving examination fees at 26 state universities. This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial strain on students from regions affected by drought, ensuring that their educational pursuits are not hindered by economic challenges. The Higher and Technical Education Department has reported that a total of 2,40,365 students have benefitted from this fee-waiver scheme thus far.

In a directive to the universities, the government has instructed them not to collect examination fees from students residing in 305 drought-affected talukas across the state. This proactive measure aims to support students who may otherwise struggle to afford the costs associated with their examinations. The number of beneficiaries is projected to surpass five lakh as the initiative continues to roll out.

The deadline for students to submit their examination forms is set for October 30, which adds urgency to the process of ensuring that all eligible students can take advantage of this relief.

Zero-Fee Option and Refunds for Students

Eligible students can utilise a “zero challan” option when completing their examination forms, allowing them to bypass any payment of examination fees. This streamlined process is intended to facilitate ease of access for students who qualify for the fee waiver. Additionally, universities have been directed to issue refunds for any fees that were previously collected from eligible students.

The University of Mumbai has already begun processing refunds, amounting to approximately Rs 3.5 crore, as part of this initiative. The authorities are closely monitoring the implementation of the fee waiver to ensure that eligible students receive the financial assistance without unnecessary administrative delays.

Chandrakant Patil, the Higher and Technical Education Minister, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that students’ education remains uninterrupted due to financial difficulties stemming from drought. He reassured that the process is ongoing and that no eligible student should miss out on this relief.

Expansion of Drought-Hit Areas to 305 Talukas

This relief measure follows a government resolution issued by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department on September 25, which expanded the list of drought-affected talukas from 265 to 305. In light of this revised list, the Higher and Technical Education Department has instructed universities to implement the examination fee exemption and to circulate the necessary information to students regarding this facility.

Dr Shailendra Deolankar, the Director of Higher Education, stated that universities have been tasked with providing the zero-fee option to students who have yet to submit their examination forms. Furthermore, arrangements have been made for refunds for those who have already made payments.

The Directorate of Higher Education, along with universities and their examination departments, is actively monitoring the implementation of the waiver. Students encountering difficulties in accessing the exemption or facing demands for payment despite their eligibility are encouraged to reach out to helplines or designated officials at their respective institutions.

The government remains vigilant in overseeing the rollout of this initiative to ensure that students from drought-affected areas receive the intended financial relief, thereby supporting their educational journeys during challenging times.

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