In a significant move towards fostering inclusive education and supporting the underprivileged students, Central University of Kashmir (CU Kashmir) has announced the launch of the Student Aid Fund (SAF) for variable tuition fee waiver for students under various categories.

This initiative is designed to extend financial aid and tuition fee exemptions to deserving students facing economic challenges, emphasizing the university’s commitment to inclusive learning. Under the scheme 40% students in each semester will benefit with a variable tuition fee waivers up to 100%.

Speaking about the initiative, Vice-Chancellor Prof. A Ravinder Nath, as per a statement issued to GNS, said, “The SAF underscores the commitment of the Central University of Kashmir to provide equitable educational opportunities and support its students in overcoming financial barriers.” He said that the policy is in tune with the University Grants Commission (UGC) policy for inclusiveness, helping students from disadvantageous groups, underprivileged and economically challenged sections, besides promoting meritorious students.

The SAF is a dedicated fund aimed at supporting students, especially from Low-Income Groups, and shall be sustained through various sources, including student contributions, university allocations, alumni donations, and income generated through student-centric activities led by the Dean Students Welfare.

The SAF introduces three tiers of tuition fee exemptions per semester based on specific conditions. Category-I (need based) is purely need based that offers a 100% tuition fee waiver for 10% of students, including orphans, those from broken families, first-generation learners, differently-abled individuals, ex-servicemen, and sports persons and medallists of National and International Sports Competitions and Events.

Category-II (need and merit based) provides a 50% tuition fee waiver for 20% of students. These include students facing critical illnesses to either of their parents with an annual income not exceeding Rs. 3,00,000/- per annum. Category-III (merit based) includes the top 10% of meritorious students from the entrance tests or the end-semester examinations in each semester. To avail the financial assistance, students must adhere to specific conditions, including submitting applications, income certification, and a declaration of not receiving any such assistance from other schemes.

The move is also aimed to enhance the enrolment of unrepresented and under-represented students in various programmes in the university and reach the unreached. This historical move of the University has received appreciation from all the stakeholders and is considered one of the best practices introduced by CU Kashmir in higher education.