Demand in Rajya Sabha for scholarship funds release to SC/ST students

NEW DELHI: A demand was made in Rajya Sabha today for immediate release of funds meant for scholarships of students under Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories, saying the students were facing much hardship due to delays.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Avtar Singh Karimpuri (BSP) said the Constitution provided reservation for SC/ST students in education but fate of lakhs of such students pursuing post-matriculation courses hung in balance in want of release of scholarship funds meant for them.

"In Punjab alone, 2,35,000 Dalit students took admission in various degree courses last year but due to delay in release of scholarship funds they are not able to pursue courses in private colleges which demand timely money," he said.

This year, fresh matriculates are not able to take admissions in various colleges as funds have not yet been released to them till date, he said, adding the matter was serious.

Drawing the attention of the government towards the matter, he demanded immediate intervention to get the funds released.