Transparency and Strict Rules in Scholarship Schemes; Limitations on Beneficiaries from the Same Family

Clear indications have been received in the Legislative Assembly that the government will now implement a stricter and more transparent policy regarding scholarship schemes given to students from deprived and needy sections in the state. Changes will be made in the scholarships given through autonomous institutions like TRTI, BARTI, SARTHI, Mahajyoti, and Amrut, and there is a possibility of limitations on scholarships in certain specific cases. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar made a clear statement in the House, giving a strong warning about this.

Due to the scholarships provided by the state government, many students have been able to complete their PhD, postgraduate, and professional education. These schemes were originally started to keep economically weaker but meritorious students in the stream of higher education. However, there were complaints to the government that more than one member of the same family was benefiting from these schemes in some places. After investigating these complaints, it has now been decided to make the rules clearer and stricter.

Regarding the Barti scholarship, MLA Dr. Nitin Raut raised a question in the Legislative Assembly. In response, Ajit Pawar stated that more than half of the total funds of these autonomous institutions are being spent solely on scholarships. If multiple members of the same family are consistently benefiting from these schemes, there is a possibility that the funds may fall short for other needy students. Therefore, necessary regulations will be prepared to curb such cases.

While approving the scholarship, not only the applicant student, but also how useful their course is for the development of the state and society, what is the student's quality, and how dire their financial situation is, will be thoroughly considered, Ajit Pawar clarified. The intention is not to deprive anyone, but to ensure that help reaches those truly in need, he firmly stated.

Against this backdrop, a strategic decision will be made to limit the number of beneficiaries in scholarship schemes. A detailed discussion on this took place in a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary after the Cabinet meeting. Accordingly, the guidelines set by the UGC for scholarship schemes will be strictly followed. The Higher and Technical Education Department has been instructed to establish clear criteria for scholarships.

Henceforth, the next grant will be distributed only after checking the students' annual progress report. Detailed guidelines will be prepared regarding how many students should be given scholarships at which educational stage, and what should be the number of beneficiaries for each component. Therefore, the government claims that the benefits of the schemes will be distributed in a more comprehensive and fair manner.

“I will not allow injustice to happen to any component,” Ajit Pawar said in firm words. He clarified that the priority of the Mahayuti government will be to help students from the most deprived sections of society, who are economically weak but excel in quality. He also informed that efforts will be made to distribute funds to these institutions by March 30.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also supported this stance. “This scheme is for intelligent but economically weak students. If five people from the same household continuously benefit from it, then children from other poor households will not get a chance,” he said. The concern expressed by Ajit Pawar is valid, and a balanced and fair decision is necessary on this matter, the Chief Minister responded.

Overall, the government states that these changes in scholarship schemes are not to 'cut down' but to ensure that the benefits of the schemes reach the truly needy. However, it is equally clear that due to the new rules, some students will certainly have to face a more stringent process.