the goan I network
PANAJI
In a setback to students pursuing professional degree courses in reputed institutions in the country, the Goa government has abruptly shut a scheme for financial assistance operational since
2011.
A notification discontinuing the scheme was issued recently by Under Secretary (Higher Education) D Rane.
The scheme under which financial assistance for technical and non-technical higher education courses in Indian institutions of repute was a respite to Goan students as the aid helped offset a part of their educational costs.
A number of students enrolling at the various campuses of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) among others had taken advantage of the scheme since 2011.
The beneficiary students got refund of fees paid to the institution up to Rs one lakh, besides a one-time grant of actual cost or up to Rs 50,000 to buy laptops.
In addition, each student got Rs 15,000 per year towards purchase of books, stationery and other incidentals. Also, hostel and mess fees up to Rs 2000 per month were paid through the scheme.
Only those students who had a 15-year domicile in Goa before enrolling in the outstation institutions were eligible for the scheme, which now has been abruptly discontinued by the government without assigning any reason.
