Govt to pay fees of backward class students

MUMBAI: Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday decided to continue for the academic year 2007-08 a scheme wherein the government pays academic fee for backward class students in professional courses in private unaided institutions.

Under the scheme, also implemented 2006-07, the government paid educational fee of students belonging to scheduled castes, tribes, nomadic tribes, other backward classes and economically weaker sections in professional courses in private unaided institutes.

As per the cabinet decision on Wednesday, the scheme would be applicable only to students who have been admitted through the common entrance test (CET), an official release said.

The cabinet also approved setting up a committee to take steps to ensure that deserving students were not denied professional education for lack of funds. The committee, headed by chief secretary, would submit its report to the cabinet within two months.