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Flagship Pragyan Bharati Initiative Witnesses Remarkable Participation of 76.4% Undergraduate Students in Assam
GUWAHATI: In a significant development, Ranoj Pegu, the Education Minister of Assam, announced the successful implementation of the Fee Waiver Scheme under the Pragyan Bharati initiative for Higher Education. The program, spearheaded by the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam Government, has already benefitted a substantial number of students seeking undergraduate courses.
The scheme, designed to alleviate financial burdens on students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, has garnered widespread attention for its inclusive approach. Pegu revealed that an impressive 76.4% of undergraduate students, totaling approximately 116,000 individuals, have availed themselves of the free admission opportunity. However, the figures from colleges under Assam University are yet to be consolidated, potentially adding more success stories to this initiative.
The Fee Waiver Scheme is applicable to a wide range of courses, including H.S., B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, M.A., M.Sc., and M.Com. Nevertheless, it's important to note that the scheme caters exclusively to Below Poverty Line (BPL) students whose parental annual income does not exceed Rs. 2.00 lakh. Additionally, students pursuing self-financing courses are excluded from eligibility, and wards of Central/State Government employees are also ineligible.
To qualify for the subsequent fee waiver, students are required to maintain a remarkable academic record. Regular attendance of 75% and a clean slate with no back papers from the previous semester are prerequisites for availing the scheme's benefits.
One of the key highlights of Pegu's announcement is the collaborative spirit between the state government and the universities. Pegu emphasized that there is no reason for universities not to extend the benefits of the Fee Waiver Scheme to eligible BPL students. The state government has been consistent in reimbursing universities for the fee waivers, ensuring a seamless implementation process.
As per the statement provided for the academic year 2022-23, several prominent universities in Assam have successfully embraced the scheme. Notable names on the list include Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University, Cotton University, and more. The figures demonstrate a commitment to the initiative's goals, with some universities achieving 100% fee waiver implementation.
Universities have been urged to actively admit eligible BPL students under this initiative, waiving their admission fees, and subsequently claim reimbursement through the @Samarth_eGov portal. This process not only supports deserving students but also fosters a sense of collaboration between educational institutions and the government, leading to a more equitable and accessible higher education landscape in Assam.
The Fee Waiver Scheme's success underscores the state government's dedication to empowering its youth and promoting education as a transformative force. With the promising results witnessed thus far, the initiative holds the potential to become a beacon of equitable education policy for other regions to emulate.