New Delhi, March 22

The government has removed the cap it had imposed last year on educational expenses paid to children of martyrs or those disabled in military action.In July 2017, the educational expenses paid to such children were capped at Rs 10,000 per month, impacting some 3,200 students studying in schools, colleges and professional institutions. The fee in professional colleges is about Rs 10 lakh per annum and there was no way for the affected students to pay up after the cap. The scheme applies equally to children of officers and jawans. The move resulted in a meager saving of less than Rs 4 crore per annum. The Tribune was the first to report on the  decision, following which the Ministry of Defence agreed to review the matter and referred it to the Ministry of Finance. The scheme was announced on December 18, 1971. — TNS