AICTE: Technical Institutes Must Admit Kashmiri Students under Modi's Scholarship Scheme

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has directed the technical institutes across the country to admit Jammu & Kashmir students under the PM’s Special Scholarship Scheme. AICTE further warned the technical institutes that it would take action if they deny admission to eligible students.

Under PM’s Special Scholarship Scheme, the Central Government of India offers scholarships to over 5,000 Kashmiri students to enable the students from economically backward classes to take up higher education in general, professional and medical streams. AICTE has been given the responsibility to implement the award of scholarships to the candidates from the restive state.

Also Read: - AICTE Issues Order to Shut Down Three Private Engineering Colleges in Punjab

AICTE had received complaints from students indicating they have been denied admission. Further, they were unaware about the PM’s Special Scholarship Scheme which they could have enrolled for. On the other hand, many colleges have also denied admission due to the lack of vacant seats etc. Vice-President of AICTE took up this issue and warned the technical institutes through a written statement. He claimed that the attitude of colleges towards the national scholarship scheme is harsh. They must grant admission to eligible students under the prescribed scholarship scheme, he further clarified.

Also Read: - AICTE to Shut Down 800 Engineering Colleges Across India

The seat allotment process for Kashmiri students in various technical institutes has been completed for the current academic session. The PM’s Special Scholarship Scheme also received criticism with regards the fact that it only benefits a section of students. Earlier, there were instances where students were allotted bogus institutes while others even rejected the provisional allotment letter asking the students to deposit the course fee in advance.

Image Courtesy: Official Website of AICTE