IITs raises concern over impact of fees exemptions and waivers on students

Several Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) have expressed concerns over the fee exemptions and waivers to students that are hurting the institutes’ financial health.

Sources said that the issue has been raised in a meeting with top officials of the HRD ministry. The IITs mentioned that the system of giving exemptions to a large number of students without giving reimbursements was affecting their funds.

The government has announced free education for undergraduate courses to students who belong to SC, ST and persons with disabilities categories. Students from families with a yearly income of less than Rs 1 lakh are also able to study in the IITs for free. Those belonging to families with an annual income of less than Rs 5 lakh also get a partial waiver.

Officials said it was suggested in the meeting that the cost of education of such students should be reimbursed to the IITs either by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment or the HRD ministry itself.

“The matter is likely to be recommended to the IIT council,” a source said.