Fee reimbursement scheme lands in fresh controversy
The fee reimbursement scheme being implemented by the state
government to fund higher education of students from socially and economically weaker
sections has stirred up a controversy again after one year. The managements
of engineering, MBA and MCA colleges are planning on an indefinite closure of colleges
from February 5 to demand that the government pay fee arrears amounting to
4,200 crore. The state government has failed to release any money for the current
academic year 2011-12. The managements have convened a meeting on February 1 to
decide the future course of action. Last year, the colleges were closed for a week
on the same demand.
Arrears then amounted to 3,000 crore. “Already eight months have passed in the current
academic year. While the government owes 4,200 crore in arrears, it has not released
a single rupee till now though there are only two months left for the current academic
year to conclude. We are not in a position to run the colleges any more. We are
left with no option, but to shut down the colleges”, said; N. Ramesh, chairman of
Consortium of Engineering and Professional Colleges Managements Associations. Nearly
80 per cent of students admitted in professional colleges depend on the government
to pay their fees. When the government defaults, managements struggle to pay salaries
of staff and run the colleges. “Several colleges have stopped paying salaries to
faculty and staff for the past three months. Some colleges have obtained huge loans
from banks,” Mr. Ramesh added. Government fails to clear arrears While the state
owes 4,200 crore in arrears it has not released a single rupee till now.
Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle
