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‘Other fees’ waiver and ₹2,000 monthly ‘Earn and Learn’ stipend for female students: Minister
Education Minister Chandrakant Patil announced that the government is considering waiving 'other fees' charged by institutions for female students and 100% concessions may extend beyond tuition and exam fees. He also outlined expanding the Earn and Learn scheme to provide a minimum ₹2,000 monthly stipend to girls, funded by CSR contributions, and urged stricter regulation of fees by universities.
Why It Matters
If adopted, the measures could significantly reduce financial barriers for female students and strengthen regulatory oversight of college charges, potentially expanding access to higher education for women.
Timeline
4 Events
Existing hostel/mess scholarships; reforms aim to remove remaining financial barriers
April 21, 2026
Patil noted that the government already offers financial assistance to female students for hostel and mess expenses through scholarships. The proposed reforms aim to complement these measures and ensure no girl is denied education due to financial constraints.
Expansion of Earn and Learn for female students; minimum ₹2,000 monthly stipend
April 21, 2026
The minister stated that the state is expanding the Earn and Learn initiative, which provides part-time work funded by CSR contributions. Under the expanded scheme, girls would receive a minimum of ₹2,000 per month, with potential increases if CSR funding is secured for public universities.
Directive to regulate 'other fees' and monitor colleges; action against arbitrary charges anticipated
April 21, 2026
Patil urged students to report colleges charging arbitrary fees and said immediate action would be taken. He indicated that directives to universities to enforce stricter control over 'other fees' in affiliated colleges, including non-professional courses, are expected.
Patil says government examining waiver of 'other fees' and 100% concessions for female students
April 21, 2026
Speaking after a book launch at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil announced that the government is exploring extending financial relief to include 'other fees' charged by institutions, potentially bringing these charges under regulation via the Fee Regulatory Authority and offering 100% concessions to female students for such charges in addition to existing tuition and exam fee concessions.