The School Education Department said students would have to buy a cash card of Rs 300 to log on to the site. The cards would be available at ‘Number 2' municipal schools in every ward (each ward has several civic schools, each of which is assigned a number). If the total charges are less than Rs 300, the remaining amount could be converted into cellphone talk time.

While the application process would be online, students would need to visit colleges to check their names on the merit lists.

The state Cabinet approved the scheme on Thursday after a presentation by Principal Secretary (School Education) Sanjay Kumar.

School Education Minister Vasant Purke said his department would expand the facility from next year. "We hope that Mumbai's students will not have to travel long distances for admissions henceforth," he said.

"It's a positive step," said Snehalata Deshmukh, former vice-chancellor of Mumbai University. "While online admissions are needed, the government must understand first what infrastructure is needed."

URL: http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=13_06_2008_001_020&typ=0&pub=264