India, Oct. 13 -- "Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) may be offering free education to support economically weaker students, but many are still being forced to discontinue their studies due to the rising cost of living in Pune," said pro-vice chancellor (VC) Parag Kalkar while addressing a gathering at the Pune Journalists' Club on Sunday.

Kalkar said that despite policy support, the dropout rate among university students continues to rise as living costs become unaffordable for many. "Education can be made free, but living costs are extremely high today. Students spend anywhere between Rs.60,000 and Rs.1.5 lakh a year on food, accommodation and transport. Many deserving students are compelled to quit because of this financial burd...