Pune: Education Activist Calls for Comprehensive Reforms Beyond Stamp Duty Waiver

Pune, 5th March 2025: While welcoming the Maharashtra Government’s decision to waive the Rs 500 stamp duty requirement for educational certificates, student leader Kamalakar Shete emphasized that more comprehensive reforms are needed to make higher education truly affordable and accessible in Maharashtra.

Shete, a state executive member of Yuvak Kranti Dal (Yukrand), acknowledged that the stamp duty waiver would provide some financial relief to students. However, he pointed out that this measure alone is insufficient to address the broader issue of educational affordability.

The activist highlighted the significant increases in various fees imposed by universities and colleges in recent years, including admission fees, examination fees, revaluation fees, and library fees. These hikes, according to Shete, have forced many students to consider abandoning their education due to financial constraints.

Calling for a more comprehensive approach, Shete urged the government to implement concrete policies to provide financial assistance to students and regulate educational fees. He emphasized the need for measures such as controlling university fee hikes, effectively implementing scholarship schemes, and improving the quality of government educational institutions.

Shete argued that if the government is genuinely committed to student welfare, it must focus on reducing overall educational fees, providing free or subsidized facilities, and ensuring easy access to quality education. He stressed that these steps are crucial to make higher education affordable for common students and prevent dropouts due to financial reasons.