1) Title of the Practice

Karmveer Yojana
(Free Lodging and Boarding Facility for Needy Students)

2) Goals / Objectives

• To provide free education to college students from economically weaker sections of society.
• To provide nutritious food and hostel facilities to such students so that they can continue their education.

3) Aims

• To assist students from weaker sections by providing free hostel accommodation.
• To assist students from weaker sections by providing free food facility.
• To increase renewable energy generation through a biogas plant linked to the mess.
• To promote an effective bio-waste management system on campus.
• To inculcate the value of social responsibility among students and staff.
• To promote a pollution-free, eco-friendly environment in the college campus.

4) Concept and Practice

“Karmveer Mess” is a unique, socially responsive activity promoted by the college management. It is named in honour of Karmveer Bhaurao Patil, a visionary social worker and educationist from Maharashtra who established numerous schools and colleges in rural areas. Inspired by his ideals, the college started this distinctive initiative in 2010.

Under Karmveer Yojana, students from economically weaker sections are selected and provided with all essential facilities to complete their education. This includes:

• Waiver of tuition fees.
• Free hostel accommodation.
• Free or fully subsidised boarding (food) in the Karmveer Mess.
• Support towards other necessary expenses, as feasible.

Selection Mechanism

A systematic and transparent mechanism is followed for the selection of beneficiaries:

• Applications for admission under Karmveer Yojana are invited from students.
• Priority is given to students whose parents do not own agricultural land and house.
• A designated committee scrutinises applications and verifies the current social and economic status of the student and her family.
• An independent person from the student’s village certifies the family’s socio-economic condition.
• Based on this multi-level verification, truly needy students are admitted to suitable courses and brought under the Karmveer Yojana.

These selected students receive free hostel and boarding facilities and their tuition fees are waived, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial burden.

Biogas Plant & Green Campus Linkage

A separate biogas plant has been installed near the Karmveer Mess to utilise the biodegradable waste generated in the kitchen. Food waste and other biodegradable materials from the mess are used as input for biogas production.

The generated biogas is used as a fuel in the mess kitchen, leading to:

• Reduction in consumption of conventional LPG.
• Increase in the share of renewable energy on campus.
• Scientific management of biodegradable waste.
• Contribution to the college’s long-term green campus initiative.

Thus, Karmveer Yojana is distinctive not only for its social outreach and support to economically weaker girl students , but also for its integration with environmental sustainability through the use of biogas and eco-friendly waste management practices.