SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced a 100% fee waiver for students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families studying in government schools and Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory.
As per separate orders issued by the School Education and Higher Education Departments, the waiver will cover students of Classes IX to XII in government schools and undergraduate students from Semester 1 to 8 in Government Degree Colleges of J&K.
The government said the decision has been taken as a welfare measure to promote equitable access to education and reduce the financial burden on economically weaker families.
The benefit will be available to students belonging to households covered under the AAY scheme and possessing a valid AAY ration card or any other prescribed document.
Eligible students will be exempted from payment of all fees charged by government institutions. However, fees payable to outside statutory authorities or examination bodies will continue unless specifically exempted.
Heads of schools and principals of degree colleges have been directed to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries before granting the waiver and maintain proper records for audit and verification.
The concerned departments have been asked to ensure strict implementation of the decision, including monitoring and submission of periodic reports.
