Pune: The Maharashtra government has issued a directive to private universities in the state, mandating a 50% fee discount for students from economically weaker sections (EWS). The government order emphasizes that the concession should be based on merit and should not consider caste categories.
The higher and technical education department released a government resolution (GR) stating that self-financed universities are established to foster the development and advancement of higher education in the state. However, students enrolled in these universities do not receive any educational fee concessions from the government.
Recognizing the disparity in educational facilities and fees charged in self-financed universities, the GR acknowledges the financial challenges faced by economically weaker students when paying the admission fees in these institutions.
In response to requests for exemption from tuition fees for EWS students in self-financing universities, the government has decided that 10% of these students admitted to private universities will be granted a 50% discount in academic fees based on merit.
The government’s decision clarifies that private universities have the authority to exempt other students from fees based on financial hardship or other criteria.
“The tuition fee includes all charges imposed by the university, regardless of their name, and it applies from the admission to the completion of the course. The GR specifies that self-financed universities will not receive any grants or financial assistance from the government,” stated a senior education officer on the condition of anonymity.
This directive aims to bridge the financial gap for economically weaker students and ensure that they have equal opportunities to access higher education in private universities. By offering a substantial fee discount based on merit, the government intends to alleviate the burden faced by these students and create a more inclusive educational environment.
