Maharashtra Launches Surprise Inspections to Ensure Fee Waiver for Girl Students

The Maharashtra government has initiated surprise inspections of colleges to enforce its recent decision to waive fees for girl students from families earning less than Rs 8 lakh annually. A ten-member task force will conduct regular checks on 642 courses across the state. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil announced the establishment of a toll-free helpline for girls to report any violations. Colleges found charging fees despite the waiver risk immediate cancellation of their affiliation. This move, costing the state an additional Rs 900 crore, aims to promote equal educational opportunities for girls and prevent financial constraints from hindering their academic pursuits.

 

Sources: Pune Mirror, The Times of India