Policy Wise

Finally, a sensible decision.

The Centre is planning to set up Higher Education Loan Guarantee Authority (HELGA) to help needy students meet university and college education expenses.

The proposal to set up a HELGA was discussed at the recent meeting of full Planning Commission headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

According to Commission sources, the proposal aimed at making higher education affordable through scholarships, fellowships to students and educational loans.[link]

But it would make sense only if fees is increased in state schools. Prime Minister proposal to increase the fees by 20% is indeed welcome but it doesn’t go far enough. There is little reason why higher education–as opposed to research–should be subsidized.