Pune: The state govt’s exam fee waiver for students from drought-affected areas studying in institutes under Directorate of Art has drawn criticism over some eligibility conditions. Activists are demanding the extension of benefits without exclusions.
The higher and technical education department, in a Nov 3 GR, announced an exam fee waiver for eligible students for the 2026-27 academic year which excluded students whose parents own agricultural land in drought-hit areas but are engaged in employment or business in cities.
Kuldeep Ambekar, founder of Student Helping Hands, said land ownership did not necessarily indicate financial stability, as many farming families had suffered crop losses and were forced to migrate in search of work. Students who have not received the money cannot be expected to arrange exam fees themselves, he said. Ambekar questioned the conditions concerning students receiving scholarships, arguing that scholarship payments are often delayed by up to two years.