Srinagar, Jul 08 (KNO): The government Wednesday announced a full fee waiver for AAY students studying in Classes 9th to 12th in government schools and undergraduate learners in government colleges of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Education Minister Sakina Itoo on microblogging platform X said, “I am delighted to announce the implementation of a full fee waiver for AAY students studying in Classes 9th to 12th in Government Schools and Undergraduate students in Government Colleges across Jammu & Kashmir.”
She said that the landmark decision fulfils the commitment made by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “It reflects his unwavering vision of ensuring that no child is deprived of education due to financial constraints.”
“Under his leadership, we remain firmly committed to making quality education accessible, affordable, and inclusive for every deserving student. This initiative is another significant step towards building an equitable and empowered Jammu & Kashmir,” Itoo said.
In the meantime, Commissioner Secretary School Education Department Ram Niwas Sharma in an order said, “Sanction is accorded to the grant of Full Fee Waiver for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Students studying in Classes IX to XII in all government schools of Jammu and Kashmir as a welfare measure for promoting equitable access to education with immediate effect.”
The government said that the sanction shall be applicable only to Classes IX to XII in Government Schools of Jammu & Kashmir and belonging to households covered under the AAY and possessing a valid AAY ration card or any other document as may be prescribed by the government eligible students shall be exempt from payment of all fees leviable by government schools.
It also said that the sanction shall be applicable provided that fees payable to any outside statutory authority or examining body, wherever not within the competence of the School Education Department to waive, shall continue to be governed by the rules applicable thereto unless specifically exempted by the concerned competent authority.
“The Head of Institution shall verify the eligibility of each beneficiary before granting the fee waiver and shall maintain proper records for audit, inspection and verification,” reads the order.
The government further said that the financial implication, if any, on this account shall be worked out by the concerned Directorates and communicated to the Administrative Department for reimbursement from the Finance Department.
It also said that the Director School Education, Jammu and the Director School Education Kashmir shall ensure strict implementation, including verification of beneficiaries, maintenance of records. monitoring and submission of periodical reports—(KNO)