10 per cent students avail govt subsidy in higher edu: Ramesh

Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh today said the country has world class educational institutions but only ten per cent of students are availing the government subsidy in higher education.
Speaking as a Chief Guest at the first convocation of Kolhan University here, Ramesh said countries abroad were providing subsidies only in primary and secondary education but government in India was providing subsidy even in higher education.
"Only 10 per cent of the students are availing the subsidy in higher education compared to primary and secondary educations in the country," he said.
The minister also urged the authorities to shun the wearing gown and red caps during the convocation as this practice was prevailing since the British rule.

The universities have big role in changing society by providing quality education, he said.
Ramesh attributed lack of education and development as cause behind the backwardness of mineral-rich Jharkhand.