The state government on Thursday said that it has released Rs 1,000 crore of the Rs 3600 crore towards fee reimbursement of the underprivileged classes of students.
The amount has been credited to the students’ bank accounts.
Minister for Social Welfare Pithani Satyanarayana told media persons that Rs 1300 crore has already been released on March 31. By next month another instalment of Rs 900 crore will be released, he stated.
The budget for the 2010 and 2011 was Rs 1300 crore while the current financial year budget has been increased towards fee reimbursement said the Minister.
The state government earlier decided to pay the fee reimbursement arrears to private institutions in three instalments over a period of one year.
Apart from these fee payments, to check bogus entrants or applications of the students, the government has decided to scrutinise the applications as to maintain transparency in the whole affair.
Out of 2.68 lakh applications the government had received 1.40 lakh applications.
The total eligible candidates have been put at 24 lakh. As part of efforts to curb bogus applicants, it has been decided to introduce a new system like thumb impression of students on the forms etc.
For ST candidates, 100 percents funds have been released and for SCs 75 percent, while 25 per cent of funds were released for BC and EBC students, he said.
Transport Minister Botsa Satyanarayana, who was a member of Cabinet Sub-Committee told reporters later that the government would stand by their election manifesto to help promote higher education among the poor students.
He denied removal of corporate education to the poor students. Mr Satyanarayana also made it clear that there was no such move from the government. The government would implement the poll manifesto in letter and spirit, he stated. Some vested interests were creating rumours, the Transport Minister said.
Replying on Rs 1 lakh income ceiling of the poor families he said that the Centre was allowing Rs 2 lakh ceiling and the issue is under study by the state also.
Social Welfare Minister Pithani Satyanrayana, Minister for Secondary Education K Parthasaradhi , Minister for Minorities Syed Ahmedullah, BC Classes Minister B Saraiah and R and B Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao attended the meeting with the representatives of the institutions.