Stuck in Files: Why is the Rs 271 Crore Scholarship Still Out of Reach for SC Students?

This represents the second instalment of the scholarship; previously, Rs 40 crore was released for 20,000 Class 10+2 students in government schools. File Photo.

Nearly 2.7 lakh Scheduled Caste (SC) students in Punjab, enrolled in private educational institutions, are still waiting for the disbursal of their post-matric scholarship funds. This delay persists despite Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s announcement approximately one week ago in Jalandhar, where he declared the release of Rs 271 crore under the scheme. The timing of the event was significant, occurring on the eve of Guru Ravidas Jayanti and shortly before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan.

While the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has submitted a requisition for the scholarship funds to the Finance Department, sources indicate the amount has yet to be released. This represents the second instalment of the scholarship; previously, Rs 40 crore was released for 20,000 Class 10+2 students in government schools.

Dr Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, confirmed that the requisition was sent to the Finance Department the same day as the CM’s announcement and stated that funds are likely to be released soon.

Under the 60:40 funding pattern, the state must deposit its Rs 271 crore share on the portal before the Centre releases the remaining Rs 350 crore. Manjeet Singh, patron of the Joint Action Committee of unaided colleges, noted that institutions have been waiting for these funds since January 30. Enrolment has notably grown from 1.75 lakh to over 2.5 lakh this year.

Source: The Tribune