Freeships in higher edu for backward classes to be cut

The freeship-reimbursement scheme for socially backward and underprivileged students pursuing higher studies has become one of the first victims of austerity measures implemented the Maharashtra state government.

The freeship-reimbursement scheme for socially backward and underprivileged students pursuing higher studies has become one of the first victims of austerity measures implemented the Maharashtra state government.

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In a decision taken by the state cabinet on Wednesday, the department has proposed to re-jig the existing scheme that shells out Rs1,800 crore annually to over five lakh students from socially backward and underprivileged classes- and cut the costs down by almost Rs 325 crore.

The decision taken on Wednesday calls for setting the eligibility limit for students with a family income of upto Rs2 lakh.

Also the amount reimbursed will have a cap of Rs2 lakh for students of OBC, SBC and VJNT while it will be unlimited for SC/ST students since that amount comes from the central government.

Also as opposed to the previous scheme that allowed the benefit to all family members, this will be restricted to 1 boy and/or 2 girls, only to two children.

So if a family has 2 boys only one will get it, but in case of 2 girls both will. In case of a family with 2 children- 1 boy and 1 girl, both will benefit from the scheme.