Srinagar, July 8 (KNB): In a major relief for economically weaker families, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved a complete waiver of academic fees for students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households studying in government schools and government degree colleges across the Union Territory.
The benefit will be available with immediate effect to eligible students enrolled in Classes IX to XII in government schools and undergraduate courses (Semester I to VIII) in government degree colleges.
According to separate orders issued by the School Education Department and the Higher Education Department, only students holding a valid AAY ration card or any other government-approved proof of eligibility will qualify for the fee exemption.
The School Education Department has issued Government Order No. 26-JK(Edu) of 2026 for students in government schools, while the Higher Education Department has notified Government Order No. 2-JK(HE) of 2026 extending the benefit to undergraduate students in government degree colleges.
A copy of the orders lies with the Kashmir News Bureau (KNB). The orders state that the waiver will cover institutional fees charged by government educational institutions. However, examination fees or charges payable to external statutory bodies will continue to be governed by existing rules unless a separate exemption is issued by the competent authority.
In the case of government degree colleges, the fee waiver will be available only to students who are not receiving financial assistance under any other scholarship scheme.
The government has directed Heads of Institutions and Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries before granting the concession and maintain proper records for audit and verification.
The Director School Education Jammu, Director School Education Kashmir and Director Colleges, J&K, have been asked to ensure effective implementation of the orders, including beneficiary verification, monitoring, maintenance of records and submission of periodic reports.
The concerned directorates will also assess the financial implications of the scheme and submit the details to the Administrative Departments for reimbursement through the Finance Department.
The fee waiver has been approved with the concurrence of the Finance Department and forms part of the welfare initiatives announced in the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2026-27. (KNB)