India, Aug. 12 -- In a significant directive, the Maharashtra Fee Regulatory Authority (FRA) has directed all private professional colleges across the state to refrain from collecting any deposits or fees beyond the officially approved amounts. The authority has also warned that strict action will be taken against institutions if students or parents report violations of this mandate. The order was issued on August 10.

Arjun Chikhale, FRA secretary, said, "Colleges have been reminded that the maximum permissible deposit amount is already fixed. This guideline, framed during the FRA's meeting on August 28, 2024, and later included in the academic year 2025-26 regulations published in October 2024, clearly states that the deposit should be ...