In an initiative to extend benefits to its employees, the Centre has decided to remove the minimum age bar of five years for claiming educational allowance and hostel subsidy for their children. The decision to this effect was taken by the Department of Personnel and Training, DoPT in consultation with Finance Ministry after receiving a number of representations in this regard. In its circular, the DoPT has said that it has written to all concerned ministries and departments to inform their respective employees that minimum age of five years mentioned for children pursuing education stands removed. It also directed that development fee and parents' contribution charged by the school or institution in lieu of tuition fee shall be reimbursed.