Several minority scholarship schemes discontinued after 2021-22, Minority Affairs Mister tells Rajya Sabha

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told the Rajya Sabha on Monday (March 30, 3036) that the Center has stopped the implementation of various scholarship schemes for minority students after 2021-22.

The minister was responding to a question from John Brittas, Member of Parliament from Kerala (CPI-M), who sought details of scholarship schemes currently available for minority students at all stages of education and the number of beneficiaries state-wise.

Mr. Brittas also asked for the total amount of scholarships allocated and awarded each year in the last five years, state-by-state details of scholarship programs for minorities that have been discontinued or merged in the last five years.

Responding to the question, Mr. Rijwiju, in a written reply on March 30, said that although pre-matric, post-matric and merit and average scholarships have been implemented across the country, these have not been approved for continuation after 2021-22. The payments made in 2022-23 relate only to outstanding liabilities, the official added.

The government pointed out that minority students continue to be protected under broader schemes such as the Central Sector Scholarship for college and university students under the PM-USP Yojana and the Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. According to data presented to Parliament, the number of beneficiaries under minority scholarship schemes has decreased significantly after 2021-22 in most States.

The reply also stated that the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship has been merged with other programs and that pre-matric scholarships have been extended to IX after the implementation of the Right to Education Act. It was stated that it was limited to Grades and X.

The five-year budget figures asked by the MP indicate a decline in both allocation and spending in recent years; actual expenditures, however, decline sharply after 2021-22. Mr Brittas tweeted the Ministry’s response on Thursday 2 April and criticized the misuse of funds. “Parliament has allocated thousands of crores for the welfare of minorities every year. The Ministry has not spent it. 2022-23: ₹5020 crore has been allocated and only ₹837 crore has been spent. In 2023-24: ₹3097 crore has been allocated and only ₹1032 crore has been spent. In 2024-25: ₹3183 crore has been allocated and only ₹1396 crore has been spent. Few “Scholarship Programs for Minorities have been discontinued or excluded after 2021-22, not because of lack of funds, but because inequality increases when educational support decreases,” he said.