Students belonging to weaker sections of the society whose parents’ or guardians’ income doesn’t exceed Rs. One lakh get fees reimbursement if they get admission under convenor quota in any professional college. This scheme was started four years back. It benefited lakhs of poor students in the State. Muslim students were also benefited by this scheme.
A few colleges misused this scheme. It is reported that State Govt. is likely to impose certain restrictions by which the number of beneficiaries is likely to get reduced to the extent of 50%. It will also reduce the financial burden of the Govt. The Govt. has constituted a committee of ministers to make changes in the fees reimbursement scheme. This committee suggested to keep the candidates from this scheme who seek spot admissions. There are many such proposals which are under consideration by the Govt. out of AP. Govt. spends Rs. 3500 crore on this scheme. Last year, due to bad financial position of the Govt. fees reimbursement amounts were not paid. The arrears of last year amounting to Rs. 2,500 crore will be paid during the current financial year. This leaves with only Rs. 1,000 crore for reimbursement of fees this year.
Since this scheme has to be continued this year also, Govt. may impose certain restrictions in order to reduce the number of beneficiaries. Govt. is afraid of public criticism if it abandons this scheme. It therefore, has to continue this scheme but with some changes.
The new academic year has already started but the Govt. didn’t clarify the doubts that are being raised about this scheme. After the Supreme Court judgment, out of 700 Engineering Colleges, 130 Engineering Colleges and 40 MBA and MCA colleges claimed excessive fees. The present fees for engineering students seeking admission under convenor quota is Rs. 31,000. It is likely to be increased to Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 90,000 Govt. is considering to enhance the fees and at the same time it is trying to limit the fees reimbursement scheme.
It is said that under the scheme, Govt. will release only a fixed amount to the students of Engineering. The balance of fees has to be paid by the students. It is also learnt that Govt. will reimburse cent per cent fees to SC’s and ST’s students. The students belonging to BC’s have to pay the difference of enhanced fees. Same is the case for Muslim students.
The maximum income limit for SC’s ST’s parents is Rs. Two Lakhs whereas it is Rs. One lakh for Bc’s and Minorities.
AP State Minorities Finance Corporation needs Rs. 1,500 crore more for implementing fees reimbursement scheme.
People are opposing the Govt. move to revise this scheme. They are demanding the Govt. to continue this scheme as per the existing rules.
The total state budget is Rs. 1,20,000 crore. It can reduce amounts from any other scheme in order to continue this schemes which benefits many students belonging to Minorities.
——Siasat News