Bengaluru: The state government announced on Friday that it would pay fees of eligible Other Backward Community(OBC) students directly to managements of professional colleges, a move which would benefit more than three lakh students.
The government has earmarked Rs 244 crores for the scheme which would cover OBC students whose annual family income does not exceed Rs 2.5 lakhs, social welfare minister H. Anjaneya told media persons here. "Under the scheme, students do not have to arrange for the fees. The government will pay for them," he added.
The minister said the previous BJP government had failed to reimburse the fee to colleges and therefore the arrears of Rs. 131.52 crores was credited by the Congress government this year. This decision would help poor OBC students to pursue their studies, he added.
Mr. Anjaneya said if managements of private colleges demand fees from these students at the time of admission, the government would initiate criminal action against them.
"If necessary, I will discuss with higher education and medical education minister about admission of students of backward classes without demanding fees", the minister added.
