Pune: SPPU, Other Universities to Act Against Colleges Denying Exam Fee Waiver in 265 Drought-Hit Talukas, Set Up Panels to Address Complaints
Pune, 14th October 2026: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and other universities in Maharashtra have set up action committees to ensure the effective implementation of the state government’s decision to waive examination fees for eligible students from 265 drought-affected talukas. Colleges charging any amount over and above tuition fees will face action, officials said.
The Directorate of Higher Education has established a dedicated cell to address student complaints regarding the implementation of the fee-waiver scheme. University-wise committees have also been formed to monitor compliance, director Dr Shailendra Deolankar said at a press conference.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has directed colleges under the state’s higher and technical education departments not to collect examination fees from eligible students studying in the 265 talukas declared drought-affected.
The fee waiver also applies to professional colleges under the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE). “If professional colleges charge students any amount over and above the tuition fees, action will be taken as per the rules,” DTE director Dr Pramod Naik said.
Students can contact the following officials to report complaints:
– Savitribai Phule Pune University: Dr Rajendra Talware (9890642431), Dr Savita Kulkarni (7720036774) and Ajay Thube (7588169134).
– University of Mumbai: Dr Pooja Raundale (9322020589) and Liladhar Bansod (9833969977).
– Shivaji University, Kolhapur: Dr Ajitsingh N Jadhav (9545595999) and Alok Jatratkar (9698928080).
– Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University: Dr Andhare (9975055155) and Dr Kalwane (7020634502).
