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According to the Higher and Technical Education Department, as many as 2,40,365 students have benefited from the fee-waiver facility so far. The government has directed universities not to collect examination fees from eligible students residing in the state's 305 drought-affected talukas.

The number of beneficiaries is expected to exceed five lakh. The deadline to submit examination forms is October 30.ZERO-FEE OPTION AND REFUNDS

Eligible students can use the “zero challan” option while filling out their examination forms, allowing them to complete the process without paying examination fees. Universities have also been instructed to refund fees collected earlier from eligible students.

The University of Mumbai has initiated refunds amounting to approximately Rs 3.5 crore, according to the department. Authorities are monitoring the implementation process to ensure that eligible students receive the benefit without administrative delays.

Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said the government was committed to ensuring that students' education was not interrupted because of drought-related financial difficulties. He added that the process was ongoing and that eligible students should not be deprived of the relief, as per reports.

The relief measure follows a government resolution issued by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department on September 25, which increased the number of drought-affected talukas from 265 to 305.

Following the revised list, the Higher and Technical Education Department directed universities to implement the examination fee exemption and issue the necessary circulars to inform students about the facility.

Director of Higher Education Dr Shailendra Deolankar said universities had been instructed to provide the zero-fee option to students who had not yet submitted their examination forms and arrange refunds for those who had already paid.

The implementation of the waiver is being monitored by the Directorate of Higher Education, universities and their examination departments. Students who face difficulties accessing the exemption or are asked to pay despite being eligible have been advised to contact the helplines or designated officials at their respective universities.

The government is continuing to monitor the rollout to ensure that students from drought-affected areas receive the intended financial relief.- Ends