Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University Orders Strict Enforcement of Free Education Scheme for Girls

Pune, 21st July 2025: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has instructed all affiliated colleges to rigorously implement the Free Education Scheme for Girls, ensuring that no eligible student is excluded. The university has warned of disciplinary measures against any college that fails to comply with this directive.

This move comes after a circular was issued on the university’s official website, in line with a decision by the Department of Higher and Technical Education. The scheme mandates that girl students belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) be granted a 100% waiver of tuition and examination fees for professional courses—a step up from the earlier 50% waiver.

Scheme Applicable Across All Types of Institutions :
The updated policy applies to government-run, government-aided, partially-aided (step grant), and permanently unaided educational institutions. All such colleges are now obligated to offer full fee waivers to girls who qualify under the scheme as per the updated government resolution.

This initiative is part of the Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Tuition Fee Scholarship Scheme, implemented by the state’s Higher Education Department. It covers a wide range of courses listed under the scheme’s framework, aiming to make higher education more accessible for girls across disciplines.

Colleges have been strictly instructed not to charge any tuition or exam fees from eligible girl students. SPPU has clarified that institutions ignoring these directives will face warning notices followed by more severe consequences for repeat offenses.

The university was compelled to intervene following complaints that some colleges were either denying admissions or demanding full fees from girls who qualify for the scheme. All departments and academic institutions have been directed to take this matter seriously and extend full cooperation.

“If any institution is found charging ineligible fees or denying benefits, it will face appropriate action,” the university circular clearly states.

With this initiative, SPPU reinforces the state government’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment through access to education, particularly in the fields of professional and technical studies.

To ensure accountability, all affiliated colleges must submit a compliance report to the Office of the Joint Director of Higher Education. This report should detail the steps taken to implement the scheme effectively and to confirm that no eligible student is financially burdened.