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Time of India

State govt warns of action on colleges charging higher fees

Mumbai: After receiving multiple complaints against unaided professional colleges demanding fees higher than those fixed by the state's Fee Regulatory Authority (FRA), the state govt has issued a resolution warning of action for overcharging. Apart from asking colleges to mandatorily display the fees fixed by FRA on their portal and notice boards in English and Marathi and to follow the govt scholarship schemes, the GR also discusses setting up a helpline number for students to raise complaints. While the fees regulatory authority reiterates its stand in different orders, this year, the govt has also issued a resolution warning colleges of action. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Meanwhile, the FRA has issued a circular warning colleges of penal action if they charge students an amount higher than the prescribed limit for caution money. The FRA fixed an upper limit for caution money that can be charged for all professional courses, starting with Rs 50,000 for MBBS courses. Colleges have been warned of action if they charge caution money under any other head. The FRA has also directed that hostel and mess facilities should be provided on an optional basis, and students should not be forced into opting for these facilities. In recent years, admissions to professional courses have been plagued by concerns of overcharging and the denial of seats to eligible students, despite the existence of a fee and admission regulation system. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The #1 Mistake People with Ringing Ears Make Every Night in Bed Derila Ergo Undo The higher and technical education department's GR mentions students who are eligible for govt schemes can raise complaints with the govt or the directorates of higher and technical education if any colleges are charging additional fees from them. It added a helpline number and help desk link will be made available on the state's CET cell website and communicated to students. The GR also reiterates that colleges should not charge additional fees or fees for more than one academic year under any circumstances. Last year, some private medical colleges were accused of seeking fees for the entire duration of the course. The matter was reported to the state's Admission Regulatory Authority. The govt threatened action against institutions not complying with the FRA's fees and directly or indirectly asking for extra fees in cash or kind. It said this will attract action as per Section 20 of Maharashtra Unaided Private Professional Educational Institutions (Fees and Admissions) Act, 2015. Section 20 discusses a fine of Rs 1 lakh, exceeding up to Rs 5 lakh, or twice the amount charged in excess of fees fixed by FRA, whichever is higher, for the first contravention, and Rs 2 lakh or Rs 10 lakh for the subsequent contravention. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.