Srinagar : The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced a full fee waiver for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) students enrolled in Classes 9 to 12 in government schools, as well as for undergraduate students in government colleges.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo in a post on micro blogging social networking site “X” expressed her satisfaction with this initiative, highlighting it as a fulfillment of a commitment made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to education. This decision aims to promote equitable access to quality education and reflects the government’s dedication to inclusivity.
The waiver applies specifically to students from households covered under the AAY scheme, who must possess a valid AAY ration card or other prescribed documentation. While the fee waiver covers all fees levied by government schools, it does not extend to fees payable to external statutory authorities or examining bodies unless exempted by the relevant authority. Institutions are required to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries and maintain accurate records for auditing purposes. The financial implications of this initiative will be assessed by the relevant directorates, with reimbursement processes coordinated through the Finance Department. The Directors of School Education in both Jammu and Kashmir are tasked with ensuring the effective implementation of this policy, including beneficiary verification and regular reporting.
