IITs waive off fees for physically challenged

The Indian Institute of Technology has decided to waive off the tuition fee for the physically challenged students. IIT council headed by Human Resource Development minister Smriti Irani has taken the decision.

Smriti Irani sharing the news on Twitter wrote, "Happy to report that IIT Council has decided to waive off fees for our physically challenged students."

The council had earlier, on the other hand, also suggested that IIT should hike tuition fee of the students from Rs 90,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh to meet recurring expenses of the institute, however, Irani has put the proposal on hold.

According to reports by The Times Of India, the decision with regard to hike in fee turned down in the meeting which took place in Mumbai on Tuesday.

"It is a sensitive issue and cannot be rushed through. It was decided the matter will be looked again before reaching a conclusion.," said Irani.

Minister also insisted that they cannot overlook the interest of socially and economically weaker sections

Another proposal by IIT Joint Admission Board (JAB) to increase the quota of students appearing for JEE (Advanced) from 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh has been approved in the meeting.