S Ramadoss, the founder of the PMK, has urged the state government to ensure that government students who benefit from the 7.5 percent quota receive free education by paying special fees or asking universities to bear the expenses. The top leader voiced worry in a statement that certain private engineering institutions are charging government school pupils money. "With engineering admission counseling completed and admission set to end on August 31, several government school students are struggling to confirm their seats despite being allocated." "This is because private colleges charge them fees," he explained. He stated that the state government covers tuition for students enrolled under the 7.5 percent quota in medical, engineering, veterinary science, agricultural, and other universities. In addition, the government pays Rs. 40,000 a year for each student's dormitory and food expenditures. "However, colleges are requiring students to pay between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 40,000 for special coaching, campus interviews, communication development, and other services," he advised. Furthermore, institutions are requesting additional fees for housing and food. College administrations, he claims, are refusing to send over admission letters to pupils. "It is unjust to demand additional fees from economically disadvantaged students." The government should meet with the administrators of private colleges. Following their hearing, the government should decide whether to pay for the particular coaching or direct the universities to shoulder the costs. "In any case, the government should make certain that no fees are collected from students".
