Tejas Navale

Pune: In response to the drought-like conditions gripping Maharashtra, the state's education department has taken steps to ease the burden on students by granting concessions on exam fees for 10th and 12th-grade students. This decision, aimed at alleviating financial strain during challenging times, was announced four months ago. However, concerns arise as the list of eligible students, encompassing nearly 5,200 candidates from Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Solapur University, remains pending finalisation with no refunds issued yet.

The prolonged delay in implementing the fee waivers raises many questions from people, as almost four months have passed since the announcement in this regard. While the government has meanwhile initiated various relief measures for farmers, such as land revenue concessions, restructuring of crop loans, and discounts on electricity bills, eying the upcoming election, students await the fulfilment of promised concessions. Despite the execution of most farmers' relief schemes, students continue to wait for reimbursement of exam fees.

Solapur, a district with 108 colleges affiliated with Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Solapur University, hosts approximately 65,000 students enrolled in various courses. However, only a fraction of eligible students—5,200 to be precise—have been listed for fee refunds, leaving many wondering about the exclusion criteria and the remaining students' fate.

According to government directives, students residing in urban areas may not qualify for fee refunds, with priority given to those in drought-affected regions. However, the university's submission of only a fraction of eligible students' names to the district administration adds to the confusion surrounding the process.

Manisha Kumhar, Resident Deputy Collector, revealed the university's submission of the partial list, highlighting the disjointed implementation of the fee waiver scheme. Sachin Jagtap, Secondary Education Officer in Solapur, said, "Students of classes 10th and 12th will get exam fee waivers due to the drought. For that, the list of students has to be given to the board by April 12. In this regard, instructions have been given to the principals of all the schools regarding the timely submission of lists.