Efficacy of Fee Reimbursement Scheme:A Social Psychology Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of fee reimbursement scheme (which was initiated in the year 200818 in Andhra Pradesh by the then government) is to bring engineering, medical and other significant courses closer to a large number of students from economically weaker sections of the society who could not afford education in expensive private colleges. When the scheme was introduced, the burden on the- Andhra Pradesh Government was less than Rs. 2,00018 crore; and according to the latest budget estimate, the burden would be about Rs. 4,00018 crore every year. An economist would see an opportunity cost and advice the government to invest the same money in building irrigation projects that will considerably enhance agriculture production and productivity in water-scarce regions. A scientist would see an opportunity to invest in nuclear projects for power generation. Likewise, every expert looks for opportunity in purposeful investments and hope for better return on investments. In this paper, the author explores the efficacy of fee-reimbursement scheme from a social psychology perspective. Every scheme, or an idea, is theoretically good. However, if the idea or scheme is not properly implemented, the purpose is lost. In this paper, the author takes into consideration socio-psychological concepts such as reward, punishment and motivation and analyzed their impact on fee-reimbursement scheme. The author also suggests the effective ways by which the scheme may be implemented in the best interests of all.