Annal Ambedkar Scheme: Stalin accuses TVK govt of destroying overseas education funds for SC/ST students

Chennai: DMK president M K Stalin on Friday accused the ruling TVK of harbouring animosity towards the 'Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship Scheme' for SC ST students, claiming an attempt is being made to destroy this well-run welfare initiative.

Stating that severe mental distress is being caused to the students by withholding their tuition fees, he said the beneficiaries are being made to run from pillar to post despite having submitted all required documents.

"Why is the TVK government so intent on ruining a good scheme that was effectively implemented by the Dravidian Model government? The social justice added to the department's name cannot be seen in practice", the former chief minister said in a statement posted on social media today.

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Scholarship delays hit 99 students

Citing a response obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, he pointed out that out of 164 students who secured admission to foreign educational institutions during the current academic year, scholarships have been disbursed to only 65 students so far.

Questioning what excuses or blame the state government intended to place on the remaining 99 students, the DMK chief warned that such delays would shatter the aspirations of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who relied on the initiative to pursue higher studies abroad.

He further charged the ruling dispensation with attempting to dismantle a flagship welfare scheme that had been effectively implemented under the previous DMK regime.