Question : SEATS IN HIGHER EDUCATION FOR DIASPORA CHILDREN

(a) whether the Government has earmarked certain percentage of seats in higher education for Diaspora children in the country including State of Gujarat;

(b) if so, the details thereof for the last three years, year-wise, discipline-wise and institution-wise;

(c) whether this scheme covers only Government owned and aided institutions;

(d) if so, the details of Diaspora students enrolled during the last three years, institutions-wise;

(e) the nodal agency, which allocates such seats to individual institutions;

(f) whether the fees chargeable from such students differ from normal fees; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ( SMT. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) to (g): According to the information furnished by University Grants Commission (UGC), the commission has issued directions to the Universities for creation of 15 % supernumerary seats for foreign students in subject courses of all the university departments, whether technical/professional or otherwise, provided that adequate infrastructure facilities are made available in the Department concerned. Out of this 15 % quota fixed for foreign students, 5 % seats shall be earmarked for the children of Indian Workers in the Gulf and South East Asia.

The Regulation issued by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) on 21st January, 2004, provides, inter-alia, that fifteen percent seats in all the institutions/University Departments, approved by AICTE, offering technical courses leading to Diploma, Degree and Post-Graduate Degree in Engineering & Technology, Architecture & Town Planning, Pharmacy, Applied Arts, MBA & MCA, Hotel Management & Catering Technology, shall be allowed on supernumerary basis from amongst Foreign Nationals/Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)/Children of Indian Workers in the Gulf Countries, over and above the approved intake, provided that 1/3rd of the 15 % shall be reserved across different disciplines in the educational institution, for the Children of Indian workers in the Gulf Countries. However, any vacant seats out of 1/3rd category shall be reverted to the quota of 2/3rd meant for PIO/Foreign Nationals.