Ashok Gehlot demands immediate release of Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for students studying abroad

NEW DELHI: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has asked the state government to provide the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence Scheme amount to the selected students without delay. The statement comes after students apprised Gehlot that the scholarship scheme has been put on hold by the present government.

The Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence Scheme was launched with an aim to provide free education for 500 students pursuing higher studies abroad in approved 150 universities.

He said that the higher education department has accepted applications for 500 seats under the scheme, of which 346 students were shortlisted. However, the third list which was scheduled to be notified by December 15 has not been released yet. Students and their families have claimed that they have not received the scholarship amount even after a week.

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“Seeing the benefits of the scheme, the students took admission but due to not receiving the scholarship letter, they are facing the problem of studies. In such a situation, these talented students are facing the threat of cancellation of admission by the universities and their future is in danger, which is a matter of concern,” Ashok Gehlot in a letter to Rajasthan CM wrote.

The state government has sanctioned only Rs 10 crore, which is “completely inadequate”, he said. Under the scheme, there is a provision of paying tuition fees of Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 lakh per month to students belonging to families with income up to Rs 8 lakh.

Similarly, a provision has been made in the rules to provide a permanent fund of Rs 50 lakh and Rs 50 thousand to students in the family income group of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.