Dream to Graduate Without Fees? Assam’s Free Education Plan to Benefit 95,000 Students.

Breaking the Barriers: Providing Free College Education for Underprivileged students

The Assam government has launched a ground-breaking scheme that would give 95,000 students free higher education as part of a historic and revolutionary endeavour. This audacious decision is poised to completely transform the state's educational system, providing hitherto unheard-of chances for youth to pursue their academic goals without having to worry about paying for college, and ushering in a new era of educational justice and empowerment in Assam. On 10th July 2024 Chief Minister Hiamanta Biswa Sarma announced that nearly 95,000 poor students from underprivileged sections have been offered free admission from class 11 onwards till post-graduation across colleges and universities. As part of the ‘Pragyan Bharati Scheme’ Sarma allotted Rs. 68.44 crore among 349 colleges and universities for providing free admission for higher secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in art, science and commerce. Nearly 1 lakh students will secure a pathway towards free education by this project.

This scheme aims to empower students from underprivileged sections by promoting inclusivity and fostering higher education and will work in two phases. In the first phase of the academic year 2024-25, 94,838 students from poor and middle class families across 349 colleges and universities will be benefited, with Rs 68.44 crore disbursement. The first phase payment was completed on 10th July and the remaining amount will be paid in coming months after documents verification.

The next round of spot admission and fee waivers for 3rd and 5th semester for CUET and non CUET candidates will be disbursed in September, according to Minister Sarma. Previously students with parental annual income of up to 2 lakh were eligible for free admission which later on raised up to 4 lakh as stated by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu. Instead of income certificate now colleges allowed ration cards as a proof of family earnings, Pegu added. A total of 22,30,257 students have benefited with a cumulative amount of Rs 826.36 crore paid by the last academic year, officials said. The project is a component of the Assam government's larger plan to raise the standard of education in the region. To promote a more favourable learning environment, the government is investing in digital learning tools, teacher training, and infrastructure development in addition to providing free higher education.

Editor’s Note:

Assam has taken a significant step in ensuring that every young indivudual in the state has the chance to pursue their academic and professional objectives, with 95,000 pupils expected to benefit from this historic initiative.  This audacious action highlights the government's dedication to education as a way to improve the society and create a more promising future for everybody. Undoubtedly Assam government allocates a major part of its state budget on education. Rs 6,650 crore has been allocated for government primary schools, Rs 5,884 crore to non government secondary schools as well as 1,792 crore for child welfare in budget 2024-25. It is anticipated that when the program launches, it will serve as a model for other states to emulate, proving that accessible education is essential to sustainable growth.

Skoobuzz applauds the scheme of Assam’s government  and hopes that triumph of this endeavour may stimulate venture throughout the nation, therefore augmenting the knowledge and agency of the Indian populace.