Thu Apr 02 23:56:40 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Minority Scholarship Schemes Discontinued, Sparking Controversy Over Funding Utilization

The Story:

The Indian government, under the leadership of Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, has discontinued several scholarship schemes for minority students beyond the 2021-22 academic year. This revelation came in response to a question posed by Member of Parliament (CPI-M) from Kerala, John Brittas, in the Rajya Sabha. While the government claims minority students are still covered under broader schemes, data indicates a significant decline in beneficiaries after 2021-22. The discontinuation and merging of scholarship programs, coupled with a decline in both allocation and expenditure, has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the underutilization of funds earmarked for minority welfare.

Key Points:

  • The Centre discontinued implementation of several scholarship schemes for minority students after 2021-22.
  • Kiren Rijiju, the Minority Affairs Minister, provided this information in response to a question from MP John Brittas.
  • Pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships were not approved for continuation.
  • The Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship has been merged with other schemes.
  • Pre-matric scholarships are now limited to Classes IX and X, following the implementation of the Right to Education Act.
  • Budget allocation and expenditure for minority welfare have declined, with significant underutilization of funds in recent years.
  • John Brittas criticized the government for poor utilization of funds, citing figures like ₹5020 crore allocated in 2022-23 with only ₹837 crore spent.

Key Takeaways:

  • The discontinuation of specific minority scholarship schemes raises concerns about the government’s commitment to supporting minority education.
  • The significant underutilization of allocated funds suggests systemic issues in the administration and implementation of minority welfare programs.
  • The shift towards broader, less targeted schemes may not adequately address the specific needs of minority students, potentially leading to a decline in educational opportunities.

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