The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced a 100 per cent waiver of tuition and other admissible fees for students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families enrolled in Government Schools and Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory.
The decision, issued through separate orders by the School Education Department and the Higher Education Department, has come into effect immediately. Under the School Education Department’s order, students of Classes IX to XII studying in Government Schools will be exempt from all fees charged by the institutions. Eligible students must produce a valid AAY Ration Card or any other prescribed proof of eligibility.
The Higher Education Department has also approved a complete fee waiver for undergraduate students from AAY families studying in the first to eighth semesters of Government Degree Colleges. However, the benefit will not be available to students already receiving financial assistance or scholarships under any other government scheme.
The government clarified that the exemption does not cover charges payable to external statutory authorities or examination bodies, as these fall outside the departments’ authority to waive. Such fees will continue to be collected in accordance with existing rules unless separately exempted.
Heads of Government Schools and Principals of Government Degree Colleges have been directed to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries before granting the concession and maintain proper records for audit and future verification.
The financial impact of the scheme will be assessed by the respective Directorates and submitted to the Administrative Departments for reimbursement through the Finance Department. The Directors of School Education and Colleges have also been instructed to ensure effective implementation, regular monitoring, and submission of periodic progress reports.
The initiative is expected to provide significant financial relief to students from economically weaker AAY families while promoting greater access to education across Jammu and Kashmir.(Agencies)
