Introduction
National Law University Meghalaya [NLU Meg] recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds of the State and from the rest of the country to ensure equitable access to quality legal education. This Policy framework outlines the guidelines and procedures for need-based financial assistance, including the necessity to submit income certificates issued by the competent authority.
Definitions
Economically Weaker Background: Refers to students whose family income falls below a specified threshold, as determined by the University and in consonance with the prescribed guidelines. This income document must be issued and countersigned by the Issuing / Competent Authority, that is, the designated government authority responsible for verifying and countersigning income certificates, as per applicable state or central government regulations.
Income Certificate: An income certificate is a document that certifies the annual income of a person or a family. It is issued by the state or district authorities, such as the Village Tahsildar, the Collector, the District Magistrate, the Sub-divisional Magistrate, or the Revenue Circle Officers. The income threshold shall be prescribed / assessed as per the norms determined by the University.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for need-based financial assistance, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student in a recognised program at NLU Meg.
- Demonstrate financial need, supported by a valid Income Certificate countersigned by the competent authority. Demonstrate domiciliation for those students who fall under the same.
- These guidelines shall be applicable to all students domiciled in the state of Meghalaya and enrolled in a recognized program at NLU Meg, and for students from outside the state of Meghalaya who fall within the top twenty ranks in the entrance examination of the NLU Meg and who have enrolled in a recognized program at the University.
- Financial assistance for subsequent years following the application for the first year will include academic and extra-curricular performance-based indicators, among any other criteria prescribed therein including re-issuing of income certificates or any other documents, to determine whether the financial assistance merits continuation.
Application Process
Eligible students must submit a formal application for financial assistance during the designated application period, fulfilling the following requirements:
- The application should include all required documentation, including income certificates of the parent/s/guardian/s countersigned by the competent authority.
- Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.
- The approval of financial assistance will cover the academic year only.
Evaluation and Awarding Process
- NLU Meg's Need-based Financial Aid Committee will review all applications.
- The Committee will assess financial need based on the information provided in the application and the income certificates.
- Financial assistance will be awarded on a case-by-case basis, considering the severity of financial need and only if applied for.
Income Certificate Requirement
- Students must submit income certificates of one or both parents and/or guardian or who is financially supporting the upbringing, as applicable, countersigned by the competent authority.
- In cases where one parent is deceased or legally separated, the Income Certificate of the contributing parent must be submitted. Where available, in case of guardianship, the death certificates of both parents must be submitted and/or adoption papers furnished.
Confidentiality
- All financial information provided by students will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
- Only authorised personnel involved in the financial aid process will have access to this information.
Award Types
- Financial assistance may be awarded in the form of full/partial scholarships, grants, loans, waivers or a combination thereof, as determined by the Financial Aid Committee.
Review and Renewal
- Students awarded financial assistance will be required to reapply for financial assistance each academic year and submit as enclosures the full academic and extra-curricular record till the date of re-application.
- Renewal of financial assistance will be contingent on continued financial need and academic performance.
- The terms of financial assistance will be defined on a case-by-case basis by the approving authority designated for the purpose.
Compliance with Regulations
- NLU Meg will comply with all relevant state and central government regulations related to need-based financial assistance and Income Certificate verification.
- The Vice Chancellor will constitute the Committee comprising of the Faculty and the Officers of the University, as and when is deemed appropriate and the same shall be notified.
Transparency and Reporting
- NLU Meg will provide transparent information about the availability of financial assistance in the application process.
- The University will maintain records of financial assistance awarded and report on these activities as required.
- The matter(s) will be reported to the Finance Committee and Executive Council in the subsequent meeting(s).
Periodic Review
This policy framework will be subject to periodic review and revision as deemed necessary to ensure its continued effectiveness in meeting needs of the economically disadvantaged students at NLU Meg. This policy framework aims to establish clear guidelines for need-based financial assistance while emphasizing the importance of Income Certificate Verification as a means to assess and address financial need accurately.
