Fee Reimbursement Scheme (Andhra Pradesh)

The Fee Reimbursement Scheme (also known as the Post-matric Scholarship Scheme) is a student education sponsorship programme of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. It supports students from lower economic strata in the state[1][2]. In 2012-13, more than 600,000 students in professional colleges were covered under the scheme, including around 150,000 students in engineering colleges. From 2013 to 2014, the government made the possession of an Aadhaar card a mandatory requirement for fee reimbursement procedures for the beneficiaries.[3]

History

The Fee Reimbursement programme was started in 2008 during the tenure of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy[4]. The government spent ₹ 2000 crores in 2008-09; this rose to ₹ 5000 crores in 2012-13.

Programmes covered

The scheme covers professional programmes, including Bachelor's in engineering, medicine, education, etc. and Master's in business administration, computer applications, etc.

Controversies

The scheme has faced criticism due to the misuse of the policy by some institutions. The government reduced the scholarship amount to Rs.35,000 in 2013-14[5]. After the separation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh, the fee reimbursement became a bone of contention between the two states. The Telangana government introduced a new clause affecting the eligibility of around 39,000 Andhra-origin students who have completed their high school and college in Telangana[6].

References
  1. "Andhra Pradesh puts cap of Rs 35K on fee reimbursement (archive)". The Times of India. Bennett, Coleman and Company Limited. 29 August 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  2. "AP govt holds discussion over fees reimbursement issue (archive)". The Times of India. Bennett, Coleman and Company Limited. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  3. "'Aadhaar card a mandate for fee reimbursement procedures' (archive)". The Hindu. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  4. A. Srinivasa Rao (3 August 2012). "YSR's fee reimbursement scheme hangs in limbo in Andhra Pradesh". India Today. Living Media India Limited. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  5. "AP: Fee reimbursement capped at Rs 31,000 for BC, EBCs (archive)". IBN Live. Network18 Group. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  6. "Andhra origin students affected by new rule". Deccan Journal. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
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