The Maharashtra higher education department on Monday ordered a probe into the collection of unauthorised fees by colleges across the state and warned of strict action, widening the scope of action beyond the ongoing fee dispute involving the city-based ILS Law College.
Minister Issues Directive
Higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil, in a circular issued on Monday, directed authorities to verify complaints of excess fee collection across institutions and act firmly wherever violations are found. The circular also ordered ILS Law College to refund excess fees collected from student petitioner Mayur Garud, along with 6% interest, following an inquiry by the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE).
Patil said if any college is found charging fees beyond approved limits, strict action would follow, stressing that students' interests would be protected "at all costs".
Statewide Investigation Teams
Director of higher education Shailendra Deolankar told TOI, "The minister has instructed us to form teams in all joint directorates across the state to conduct thorough inquiries into complaints of excessive fees charged by colleges, similar to the ILS Law College case, and submit a collective state-wide report to the government."
The government's decision comes after days of protests in Pune, where hundreds of ILS students demanded refunds, alleging that the college had collected illegal charges under multiple heads. While the ILS case triggered the government's response, Patil made it clear that the issue may not be restricted to a single institution.
"This is not just about one college. If such practices exist elsewhere, they will be investigated and acted upon," the minister said.
ILS Law College Case Findings
In the ILS case, a three-member inquiry committee found that the college had collected fees without prior approval of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), in violation of provisions of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016. Based on these findings, the department ordered a refund of the excess amount collected from the student, along with 6% interest calculated from the date of payment.
Proactive Scanning Across Maharashtra
Going beyond the individual case, the Monday circular directed regional higher education authorities to proactively scan for similar complaints across Maharashtra. Officials have been instructed to examine fee structures, verify approvals, and ensure that no institution charges students under unapproved heads.
Patil stressed the need for transparency in fee-collection processes. "There must be complete clarity in what students are charged. Any deviation from approved norms will invite action," he said, adding that the government remains committed to maintaining integrity in the higher education system.
Student Groups Welcome Move
Student groups welcomed the move, calling it long overdue. "Many colleges charge under vague heads. This action gives hope that the issue will be looked at seriously across the state," said student representative Krushna Sathe.
The higher education department has also indicated that institutions found violating rules could face action under relevant state laws, reinforcing the government's intent to curb arbitrary fee practices.
