Srinagar, Jul 8 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday announced a full waiver of fees for students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families studying in government schools and government degree colleges across the Union Territory.
According to separate orders issued by the School Education Department and the Higher Education Department, the decision has been taken to improve access to education for economically weaker sections and has come into effect immediately.
Under the School Education Department order, students of Classes IX to XII studying in government schools and belonging to AAY households will be exempted from payment of all fees charged by the institutions. Eligible students must possess a valid AAY ration card or any other prescribed document.
The Higher Education Department has also approved a full fee waiver for eligible undergraduate students enrolled in the first to eighth semesters of government degree colleges. The benefit will be available to AAY students who are not availing of any other scholarship assistance and possess the required documents.
The orders, however, clarify that fees payable to external statutory authorities or examining bodies will continue to be governed by existing rules unless exempted by the competent authority.
Institution heads and college principals have been directed to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries, maintain proper records and ensure compliance with the scheme.
The financial implications of the fee waiver will be worked out by the concerned directorates and communicated to the Finance Department for reimbursement.—(NVI)
