In 1997, the Union Government placed higher education under the category of

In 1997 the Union Government classified higher education as a non-merit good in its discussion paper on subsidies.

It was not termed a priority good in that classification.

The label state good was not applied to it.

Secondary good was not the category used.

The move implied a weaker case for public subsidy of higher education.

It sparked debate over cost recovery and fees in the sector.