In a significant move to promote inclusivity and access to higher education, nearly 95,000 students from underprivileged backgrounds have been granted free admission to colleges and universities across Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this on Wednesday, highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting education for students from Class 11 through to post-graduation.
As part of the ‘Pragyan Bharati Scheme,’ Sarma distributed Rs 68.44 crore among 349 colleges and universities to cover the costs of higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses in arts, science, and commerce streams. At an official function, he emphasized the importance of this initiative in empowering students from economically disadvantaged families.
“Today, nearly one lakh students have secured a pathway to free education. This scheme aims to foster higher education and promote inclusivity by empowering students from the underprivileged sections,” Sarma stated.
For the 2024-25 academic year, 94,838 students from poor and middle-class families have already benefited from the first phase of this scheme. The initial Rs 68.44 crore disbursement will be followed by subsequent payments in the coming months after document verification.
“The next round of spot admission and 3rd and 5th-semester fee waivers for CUET and non-CUET candidates will be disbursed in September,” Sarma added.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu also noted changes to the scheme’s eligibility criteria. Previously, students with a parental annual income of up to Rs 2 lakh were eligible for free admission. This limit has been raised to Rs 4 lakh, making more students eligible for the scheme. Additionally, colleges now accept ration cards as proof of family income instead of income certificates.
Since its inception, the Pragyan Bharati Scheme has benefitted a total of 22,30,257 students, with a cumulative disbursement of Rs 826.36 crore up to the last academic year, officials reported. This initiative underscores Assam’s dedication to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder students’ educational aspirations.
