Govt to launch Rs 1,000 monthly aid for female college students this academic year

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has announced that the Indira Guarantee scheme, which proposes a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for female college students, will be implemented during the current academic year.

"The scheme is expected to be included in the upcoming Budget. Preliminary procedures at the departmental level have already begun," the minister told reporters.

Responding to widespread complaints about the four-year undergraduate programme, Roji said a committee would be appointed to recommend changes.

"There have been concerns from various quarters regarding the four-year degree programme. A committee will be constituted to study the issues and suggest necessary reforms," he said.

The minister also criticised the previous LDF government's announcement of free education up to the degree level.

"Although the previous LDF government announced free education up to the degree level in its final Budget, no funds were earmarked for the scheme. A government can make many such promises in its last Budget," he said.

On higher education infrastructure, Roji said the government would review ongoing KIIFB-funded projects and decide whether they should continue.

"We will also examine the possibility of turning the Private Universities Bill into law," he said. The bill, passed by the Kerala Assembly, is currently awaiting consideration by the President after being forwarded by the Governor.

The minister said the government would address the issue of PSC rank holders failing to secure appointments as assistant professors despite securing top ranks.

"We will find a solution to the situation where even candidates with top ranks in PSC lists are not getting appointments as assistant professors," he said.

He added that the government would examine the reduction in teaching posts in aided colleges caused by increased workload norms and the removal of PG weightage.

Measures will also be introduced to improve academic performance in self-financing colleges where the pass percentage remains below 25%.

Roji accused the previous LDF government of allowing the Governor to interfere in university affairs.

"The previous government gave the Governor space to interfere in the day-to-day functioning and appointments of universities. There was an understanding to share appointments. We will not allow saffronisation in any sector," he said.

Engineering entrance rank list will not be delayed
The minister also clarified that the Engineering Entrance Examination rank list would not be delayed indefinitely due to uncertainty surrounding CBSE re-evaluation results.

"Students have been given time until June 14 to upload their Plus Two marks. There is no assurance that CBSE re-evaluation results will be published by then," he said.

Roji stressed that further delay in publishing the rank list would disrupt the academic calendar.

"If the rank list is delayed further, it will affect the academic schedule. Therefore, the rank list will be published without any further postponement," the minister said.