Coronavirus: Tamil Nadu Polytechnics Seek Financial Relief From PM

The association of technical polytechnics in Tamil Nadu, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sought financial relief for 50 lakh students.

In the letter, the association has sought financial relief of Rs 50,000 crore to help students, especially those pursuing technical studies in colleges located in rural India during Covid-19.

“The financial relief package would enable students to meet their fee obligation to colleges and purchase computers with internet to pursue studies in the coming semesters in e-learning mode,” the association President Mr C Valliappa stated.

This relief alone can ensure sustainability of technical education by providing relief to the institutions, parents and students, the letter read.

Nearly, 77.8% colleges in the country are privately managed, comprising 64.3% un-aided and 13.5% aided. These privately managed colleges entirely depend on the fee collected from 18 to 23-year olds.

The letter noted that the fee-paying capacity of students enrolled in 39,931 Colleges and 10,725 standalone Higher Education Institutions is deeply affected due to the Covid crisis.

The onset of pandemic and closure of education institutions resulted in a backlog of fee collection for the academic session 2019-20. As per government guidelines, the fee for the ensuing semester cannot be collected. Also, fresh admissions for the academic year 2020-21 cannot begin and the class start dates too are uncertain.

"Availability of soft education loans is a viable option as the funds go towards investing in youth, the future pillars of India. The repayment can be sought with good measures as the positive pressure would enable them to commit to their studies more responsibly, leading to better employment and earning ability," adds Valliappa.