Date:18/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/18/stories/2006051818880500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

MAHE offers aid to top 100 in test

Staff Reporter

It is aimed at attracting talent: Ramadas Pai

Bangalore: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a deemed university, on Wednesday announced to offer freeship to candidates who have ranked within 100 of MAHE's entrance test, for the undergraduate courses, with a financial implication of Rs. 5 crores from this academic year.

According to Chancellor Ramdas Pai, the scholarships were aimed at attracting the best talent and would cater to the needs of students irrespective of their geographic locations.

Yet another initiative was the study loan for the economically backward students.

He said bank loans through the State Bank of India would be offered to students denied education for want of money. "MAHE is thinking of covering st

udents on insurance scheme wherein the death of their parents would not stall their pursuit of higher education," he said. Opposing extension of reservation, he said the Government should take up initiatives to better the conditions of economically and socially backward students so that they could improve on their own and compete in the global scenario.

The Chancellor said education was part of the knowledge society and merit plays a key role in the global competition.

The Government could take corrective steps to ensure that the socially and economically disadvantaged were brought to the forefront.

The Government should ensure that the capacity of the educational institutions, especially in higher education, was increased so that more students could be enrolled.

With regard to medical education, the Government should make available more medical seats and the other facilities required for medical colleges.