The ongoing Patel quota stir in Gujarat on Thursday prompted the State government to announce a package for the economically backward category (EBC) irrespective of caste including scholarship for students and age limit relaxation for its jobs.
To cost ₹1,000 crore The fee waiver in various slabs under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavlamban Yojna (Chief Minister’s Youth Self-Reliance Scheme) would cost the government ₹1,000 crore per year, Health Minister and government spokesperson Nitin Patel said.
The announcement by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel was made in an apparent bid to pacify the Patels as well as other communities which at present do not get benefits of reservations.
Criteria for selection The criterion is that the annual family income of the beneficiary shouldn’t exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
Students who secure 90 per cent or more in Class 12 will be eligible to get 50 per cent fee waiver with a ceiling of ₹2 lakh per year if they secure admission to self-financed medical colleges, where the fees range from ₹3 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh, according to the scheme.
Those getting admission to engineering and pharmacy courses will get 50 per cent fee waiver per year with a ceiling of ₹50,000.
The announcement came at a time when Patidars are up in arms seeking OBC status and reservations.