Govt proposes fellowship to fund SC/ST students in foreign universities

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government’s social welfare department has proposed a fellowship for SC/ST category students to pursue higher studies in foreign universities.

Initially, the scheme will fund 200 students meeting the criteria for courses such as MBA, M Phil and PHD.

A cabinet note regarding the same has been circulated to various departments, including law and finance departments, for comments and suggestions on the scheme, said senior Delhi government officials.

“The note was sent last month. The scheme entails covering of all expenditure of at least 200 students every year for postgraduate courses in reputed foreign universities,” said a senior official.

The scheme will be covered under the government’s SC/ST fund. “So far no income criterion has been suggested. The fellowship will be based purely on merit. There are many such students who despite cracking entrance exams are not able to apply for courses for they come from modest backgrounds,” said, Delhi social welfare minister Rajendra Pal Gautum, adding that the scheme may be extended to other sections as well.

“It will be a major step to help shape the future of many students if the policy comes through,” said, Hansraj Suman, Delhi University’s chairperson of SC/ST, OBC Teachers Association.