Government repeals Rs. 10,000/month education fee cap for martyrs' children
Heeding to a demand by the armed forces, the government has removed the cap of Rs. 10,000/month imposed by it in July last year on educational assistance given to children of martyrs or those disabled in action, officials said. The government order saying the assistance under the scheme cannot exceed Rs. 10,000/month had triggered widespread discontent among all the three services. Here's more.
Concession will be applicable to central or state government-run schools
In a statement, the Finance Ministry said the educational concession will continue without the cap of Rs. 10,000/month. It, however, said the concession will be admissible for undertaking studies in government or government-aided schools, educational institutes or those "recognized" by the central or state governments. The concession will also be applicable to students studying in autonomous institutes financed by central or state governments.
The scheme was initially rolled out in 1972
Under the scheme, which was initially rolled out in 1972, tuition fee for children of martyrs or those disabled in action were completely waived in schools, colleges, and other professional educational institutions. Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had requested the Finance Ministry to remove the cap. Reportedly, around 250 students were affected during the current financial year following the government's decision to cap the assistance.
