Govt considering refund of education fees in drought-hit areas

The Maharashtra Government said Friday that it was "positively" considering a proposal to refund the fees of students hailing from drought-hit areas.

Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil made the announcement in reply to a debate on drought situation in the Legislative Council here.

"We are positively considering refunding the fees of students of all streams from drought-hit areas in the current academic year. Even if a student hailing from a drought-hit area is studying in a city, we will consider him (for refund). We will start this process immediately," he said.

This may put an additional burden of Rs 300-400 crore on the state treasury, he said.

The opposition parties had earlier demanded that students from drought-affected areas should get a fee refund.

Patil also said that sub-divisional officers have been given district collector's powers to take immediate decisions on providing water tankers.

"Directions have been issued that water tankers should be provided within 24 hours of receiving a request," the minister said.

Drought-like situation has been declared in 151 tehsils and 268 circles, he said.

"There are 1.08 crore livestock animals in this area and we are making appropriate arrangements for fodder supply till June. Fodder camps will be set up wherever required based on reports of district collectors," he added.

The government will pay five per cent of arrears of drinking water schemes of village panchayats so that water supply in drought-hit villages continues, he said.