More seats in institutes reserved for children of Indian workers in Oman

Muscat: More seats have been reserved for Children of Indians Working in Gulf countries (CIWG) looking for admissions at premier Indian institutes through Direct Admission to Students Abroad (DASA) scheme, an Indian government circular says.
According the circular, a third of the 15 per cent seats at premier Indian institutes, such as institutions/university departments, approved by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), offering technical courses leading to diploma, degree and post graduate degrees in engineering and technology, architecture and town planning, pharmacy, applied arts, MBA and MCA, hotel management and catering technology, will be reserved for CIWG.
As per the data available on the AICTE website, there are 10,329 affiliated institutions across the country. These institutions together have an intake capacity of 39,56,234, but the total enrolment in the 2015 to 2016 academic year is 20,97,889.
“There shall be one-third reservation for Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries (CIWG). However, any vacant seats out of the 1/3 category of CIWG shall be reverted to the quota of 2/3 meant for other categories of DASA- 2016. Eligibility of CIWG will be same as that of NRIs,” the circular stated.
However, CIWG will have to pay fee at par with resident citizens and have to present proof of either parent working in a gulf country.
“Such a candidate has to make a payment of USD300 as registration fee (non-refundable) and USD700 towards tuition fee for one semester. Fee as that of resident students will be applicable. Any change in the tuition fee from competent authority from time to time will be applicable to CIWG also,” the circular added.
Proof that either of the parent is working in a gulf country, such as the copy of the passport of the parent working in the gulf, copy of the parent’s visa and copy of parent’s work permit (If any) will be required while applying for the admission.
“It’s a commendable move from the government side. This at least assures a little more seats for the children of Indian workers in Gulf countries,” Radhakrishna Kurup, a teacher at Indian School Darsait, said.
“The majority of the Indian workers in the Gulf cannot be placed under the so-called wealthy Non-Resident Indian category. When an ordinary Indian migrant is considered an NRI parent, then they have to shell out a huge amount to get an admission for their child under the NRI quota. Now, with seats being reserved for ordinary Indian workers’ children in Gulf, it is surely a blessing,” the teacher added.