Gaya: Citing an acute financial crisis, the principals of two of Magadh University’s three women’s colleges have urged governor-cum-chancellor Syed Ata Hasnain to intervene, stating they are struggling to meet even routine expenses.The SOS, sent through the university’s vice-chancellor, was signed by Seema Patel, principal of GBM College, Gaya, and Gayatri Sinha, principal of KSM College, Aurangabad.The principals said the crisis stems from the state’s failure to fully implement its 2015 order providing free education to women. While colleges stopped charging fees from female students, the govt did not fully reimburse the revenue loss, leaving institutions short of funds for electricity bills, maintenance, security staff, contractual computer operators, stationery and other recurring expenses.“In 2023, the chancellor approved a uniform undergraduate fee structure that did not exempt women students. Since this came later than the 2015 order, the earlier provision effectively became infructuous,” Patel said.The principals said that against the approved fee of Rs2,255 per student per semester, the govt recently reimbursed only Rs1,500 for selected students, while dues for 2015-25 remain unpaid.They have sought permission either to collect fees from women students with a commitment to refund the amount once the govt reimburses it, or to charge Rs755 per semester to bridge the shortfall.Officiating vice-chancellor Dilip Kumar Kesari, however, said the situation was “not as alarming” as projected. “Funds were recently released for recurring expenditure and more will be provided once the govt releases additional money. Allowing colleges to charge fees from women students would be against the govt’s order,” he said.