Mumbai

The Maharashtra Government will take action against colleges that deny admission to eligible girl students under the tuition fee waiver scheme, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said on Friday, warning that the affiliation of such institutes could be cancelled.

Replying to a discussion during Question Hour in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Patil said the decision taken two years ago to waive tuition fees for girls pursuing professional courses was a “revolutionary step” aimed at increasing women’s participation in higher education.

The minister said the scheme has already led to a sharp rise in enrolment of girl students. “The number of girl students has increased from 85,068 in the 2023–24 academic year to 1,15,800, registering a rise of about 41 per cent,” he said.

Patil said some colleges were asking students to first pay the fees and then claim reimbursement after the government releases scholarship funds. To address this, the government has made it mandatory for every college to appoint a nodal officer to ensure proper implementation of the fee waiver scheme.

“If any college refuses admission to eligible girl students on the grounds of fees, we will not hesitate to initiate action, including cancellation of affiliation,” he said.

The minister also said the government is working to simplify the scholarship application process on the MahaDBT portal and reduce documentation requirements.

According to him, the number of documents required for scholarship applications has already been reduced from 17 to eight, and further steps are being taken to streamline verification procedures.

Patil added that the state government is prioritising the timely disbursal of scholarships and reimbursements to colleges.

“Scholarships will be treated with priority, similar to salary payments, so that students do not face difficulties,” he said.

He also informed the House that students who do not get hostel accommodation are eligible for a monthly allowance of up to Rs 6,000 to support their stay.

The government is also considering expanding the “earn and learn” initiative, under which students can work in college libraries, laboratories or campus activities and receive a stipend of about Rs 2,000 per month.

Patil said around 40 facilitation centres are being set up across the state to help students submit scholarship applications and resolve issues related to the process.

READ MORE: Women cops and social workers join hands to host Iftar for women

He urged legislators to inform the government about institutions violating the scheme so that immediate action can be taken.