Congress flags 6 month delay in central scholarships for over 9 lakh Gujarat students, writes to CM

AHMEDABAD : The Congress has alleged that more than 9 lakh students in Gujarat belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) have not received scholarships under the centre's M Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI) for over six months. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, August 4, Manish Doshi, Gujarat Congress spokesperson, claimed the delay in scholarship disbursal has caused financial hardship for students and their families.

Manish Doshi said many students have been making repeated visits to schools, colleges and government offices but have not received any clarity on when the pending funds will be released. Doshi said he has written to Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel , urging the state government to ensure the immediate release of the pending scholarship amounts to eligible beneficiaries.

Also Read] Gujarat BAMS Paper Leak: GAU orders probe as Congress attacks centre over exam security

Scholarship dues in limbo

According to Doshi, around 4.25 lakh students eligible for the PM-YASASVI Pre-Matric Scholarship and nearly 5 lakh students eligible for the Post-Matric Scholarship in Gujarat are yet to receive their dues. He alleged that the delay is due to the non-receipt of grants from the Centre as well as technical issues in the online scholarship system and the National Scholarship Portal.

Doshi also claimed, "Benefits such as uniforms, bicycles and hostel food bills have also remained pending due to non-receipt of grants. As a result, students from poor families are facing financial difficulties and their education is being adversely affected". The PM-YASASVI scheme, implemented by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides financial assistance for school and college education to students from OBC, EBC and DNT communities.

In his letter to the Gujarat chief minister, Doshi urged the government to release the pending Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarship amounts without further delay and take steps to address the difficulties faced by students and their families.