The Assam government has made first year college education free for students whose parents’ annual income is not above Rs.1 lakh.

Announcing the decision on Saturday, Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the measure will come into effect from the current year.

“The government has decided no provincialised college of Assam will demand fees, including admission fees, tuition fees and all others fees from students who will take admission in the current year in Higher Secondary first year and three-year degree course first year, provided the income of their parents is below or Rs.1 lakh per annum from all sources,” Mr. Sarma told media persons here.

He said the principals of the provincialised colleges will take certificates regarding parents’ income before giving admission to a student.

Assam is the first State in the country to make this offer, the Minister added. - IANS