Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has issued a stern warning to its affiliated colleges, emphasizing the mandatory display of course-wise fees on their websites and notice boards.

The directive, based on the guidelines set by the University Fee Regulatory Authority (UFRA), aims to ensure transparency in fee structures. The university has cautioned that any college found violating these rules, particularly by charging fees from backward class students or imposing excessive fees, will face strict disciplinary action.

Students from various marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, De-notified Tribes/Nomadic Tribes, Special Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, and other backward classes, often enroll in courses offered by SPPU's affiliated colleges.

These students typically apply for scholarships via the MAHADBT Portal, which covers their tuition, examination, and other fees through government reimbursement.

Despite previous instructions from the university, several colleges have been reported to continue charging these students, prompting complaints from the student body and organizations. In response, the university has reiterated its commitment to upholding fee regulations.

The committee established under Section 101 of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act 2016 has finalized the fee structure for various courses, and these have been made publicly available on the university's official website. Furthermore, fees for professional courses are determined by the Fee Regulatory Authority (FRA).

SPPU has now issued an ultimatum to all affiliated colleges, insisting that all fee-related information must be prominently displayed on their websites and notice boards. Failure to comply will result in severe punitive measures.