Govt needs to step up to alleviate crisis: Experts

Aparna Banerji

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Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, November 25

As the stalemate between HMV College and its students (pic), who had been sitting on a dharna for two days which ended recently, the recent protest has underscored the extent to which the post-matric scholarship scheme influences the discourse within the education sector.

Even as estimates peg the number of students in the SC community at 40 per cent across government colleges in the district, experts say the scheme has altered education dynamics.

While most agree the government has been the key defaulter in the non-provision of post-matric scholarship scheme dues, which has adversely impacted students, on the other hand, the current scenario has also driven many colleges to the brink of closure, with dues unpaid by the government.

Dalit activist and leader Chandan Grewal said: “Colleges are supposed to pay students their tuition fee under various courses under the scheme. But students should understand they are not supposed to pay them the examination fee. That is not part of the guidelines on the scheme. In all, the pressure should be on the government to pay their dues to ensure that students receive their right to education.”

Tejinder Virli, district president, PCCTU, said: “At least 40 per cent of the students studying in district colleges belong to the SC community. The students are justified in seeking tuition fees from colleges under the scheme. However, since the examination fees are not covered under it, they are supposed to pay these themselves. On the other hand, some poor students need help even with university fees because they are hefty. The government should formulate a clear policy on the issue rather than burdening colleges which is currently happening. The entire cost of the scheme is hence being borne by colleges – many of which, especially in rural areas, are on the verge of closure. The scheme has also impacted private colleges.”

Manjinder Dhesi, state convener, Punjab Students Federation, said: “The real crisis is the non-payment of the scholarship dues by the government. While some money for previous years was recently received, the payment for 2018 and 2019 has not arrived yet. Even an audit has not been conducted. While we are not supposed to seek university fees from colleges, tuition fees are also not being cleared by some. Ever since the directions were issued that fees will be deposited directly to students’ accounts, some colleges insist that students clear the same first, even when the money hasn’t been crediting to their bank accounts. We need joint committees of students, colleges and the government that seeks diligent solution to the issue.”

Sarita Verma, principal, BD Arya Girls College, said: “The ambiguity of guidelines is costing colleges. The pressure is clearly on them. A consideration isn’t being made about sustaining the economics of colleges. While we are providing all benefits to students, the pressure for the scheme is more on colleges than the government. There is also a need for standardisation of the fee structure of the scheme for government and private colleges.”