Assam Education Minister Clarifies: Ration Cards Valid for Free Admission

Assam Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu has officially clarified that Ration Cards will now be accepted as valid proof of income during the free admission process in Government and Provincialised schools and colleges across the state. This decision is expected to ease the admission process for economically weaker students and their families, especially those applying under the government’s free admission scheme.

Dr. Pegu made the announcement through a social media post, where he stated that both Ration Cards and Income Certificates issued by a competent authority will be accepted interchangeably for verifying a student’s eligibility for the scheme. This flexibility is expected to reduce the bureaucratic burden on families and provide greater access to the free admission benefits offered by the Assam government.

This clarification comes at a crucial time as the admission process for the academic year is underway. It addresses growing concerns among students and parents about acceptable documentation to prove economic eligibility. The move aligns with Assam’s broader goal to support economically disadvantaged students and increase higher education accessibility.

Earlier in 2024, Dr. Pegu had revealed that over 71 percent of the more than 1.66 lakh students seeking admission to various colleges across the state had already availed themselves of the fee waiver scheme. The scheme is specifically designed to provide financial relief to students from poor families and ensure that monetary constraints do not hinder access to higher education.

The eligibility criteria for the fee waiver scheme have also been expanded. Initially, only students whose parental annual income was up to ₹2 lakh qualified for free admission. However, this limit has now been doubled to ₹4 lakh, significantly broadening the scope of beneficiaries. This enhancement ensures that a larger number of students from low- and lower-middle-income families can take advantage of the scheme.

Dr. Pegu further elaborated that the state government does not charge any admission fees from college students under this scheme. Instead, the government offers a dedicated Fee Waiver initiative targeted at Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. While individual colleges and universities may set their own admission fees, a State Fee Regulation Committee oversees the determination of upper limits to maintain fairness and affordability.

According to Dr. Pegu, out of 1,66,123 total applicants, 1,18,199 students—accounting for approximately 71 percent—have already availed of the free admission benefit. This high uptake highlights the success and popularity of the scheme among students and parents.

The decision to accept Ration Cards as a valid document is likely to improve transparency and streamline the admission process, especially in rural and underprivileged areas where obtaining income certificates might be challenging. It also reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive education by removing documentation barriers and promoting equity in educational opportunities.

In conclusion, the Assam government’s move to broaden the acceptable documentation for free admission, coupled with the increased income eligibility threshold, signifies a major step toward making education more accessible for all. By facilitating easier access and reducing procedural challenges, the initiative is set to play a significant role in improving higher education enrollment across the state.