Parliamentary Panel Urges Timely Disbursal of Post Matric Scholarships

A parliamentary panel has urged the government to ensure timely disbursal of post-matric scholarships so that students can use the financial assistance during the same academic year. The recommendation was made by the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in its report tabled in the Lok Sabha.

The committee, chaired by P. C. Mohan, emphasised that scholarship funds should reach students in time to support their education expenses. According to the report, delays in disbursal reduce the usefulness of the financial assistance intended for students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Panel Suggests Revising Scholarship Guidelines

The committee highlighted that the scholarship amount for a particular academic year should be released within the same academic cycle. This would allow students to utilise the funds for tuition fees, books, and other educational needs.

In its observations, the committee stated that similar recommendations had been made in earlier reports. However, delays in disbursing scholarships have continued despite repeated suggestions.

Officials informed the panel that the guidelines for the post-matric scholarship scheme are currently under revision. As part of the proposed changes, the government aims to release scholarship funds within the first four to five months of the academic year, ensuring that students receive support in a timely manner.

Observations on Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students

The parliamentary panel also reviewed the Free Coaching Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) students. During the discussion, the committee noted that beneficiaries under this scheme must meet an annual family income limit of INR 8 lakh.

At the same time, the report pointed out that beneficiaries of the PM CARES Fund do not have a similar income eligibility condition. The committee highlighted this difference while examining the structure of financial assistance schemes for students.

The panel reiterated the need for effective implementation and policy adjustments so that government scholarship programmes can better support students pursuing education beyond the school level.