The central government has decided to continue with the current annual income limit of Rs 8 lakh for identification of economically weaker sections (EWS). In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the Center said the committee set up by the government to re-evaluate the norms had suggested that the existing norms for this year's counseling and admission could be continued.
With this, the central government said that it wants to admit candidates with an income of up to Rs 8 lakh in the NEET course.
The central government had also attached a copy of the committee's report in the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court on Saturday. It was further stated that the Central Government has decided to accept the recommendations of the Committee, including recommendations for possible implementation of the new norms. A three-member committee comprising former finance secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey, member secretary ICSSR VK Malhotra and chief economic adviser Sanjeev Sanyal made representations to the Center on December 31.
However, in its report submitted to the Central Government by the committee, it was stated that the committee has come to the conclusion that the current annual income measure is Rs. 8 lakh no more included. Citing the committee's report, the central government has asked the apex court to initiate counseling for admissions if the court approves it for at least this year. At the same time, the Center also said that the parameters of EWS could be changed from next session. The matter is set to be heard on January 6.
