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Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Why many marginalised students can't access scholarships
Each year, hundreds of government and private scholarships are announced across India to make education more accessible to students from economically or socially disadvantaged communities. But how many of these actually reach the students who need them the most? To explore this question, the Youth Dreamers Foundation (YDF) conducted a survey in 2023 with 102 current and former scholarship recipients from states such as Bihar, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The survey gathered responses through Google Forms and was supplemented by follow-up interviews, capturing insights from students across disciplines and levels of education. The findings confirm what many students across India already know too well: While scholarships are essential, they often fall short of addressing the full range of challenges faced by students from marginalised backgrounds. From complex application processes to structural barriers shaped by caste, gender, and geography, the current system leaves too many behind. Here are some of the key takeaways from the survey. 1. Finding information remains a hurdle Most students hear about scholarships informally—from teachers, friends, or someone in their community. Some students we spoke to said they only learned about such opportunities after reaching college. In many schools and colleges, there are no formal channels to share scholarship-related information. While online platforms such as the National Scholarship Portal exist, they are often underused due to limited digital access and low digital literacy. Government websites tend to be cluttered and difficult to navigate. In the absence of a single, reliable source, students must sift through an overwhelming number of websites and advisories. For first-generation learners with no prior exposure to such systems, this becomes a significant barrier. Our experience also shows that institutional biases can distort access to scholarships. After repeated requests to identify deserving candidates, one department we approached recommended a student whose family income was Rs 20 lakh. In other cases, departments limited recommendations to students from specific streams—for instance, suggesting only chemical engineering students for STEM-related scholarships, despite broader eligibility criteria. While this is not always the case, it highlights a trend of institutional preferences potentially overriding actual need. 2. The application process is exclusionary Students often struggle to navigate the technicalities of the application process. A scholarship recipient from Maharashtra recalled the difficulty of filling out the online form: 'The form was not in my local language, and I didn't understand terms such as 'image file size' or 'MB limit'. It took me several attempts just to submit it correctly.' Even when students learn about scholarships, they must navigate an application process that is far from simple. Forms are not available in local languages, and terms such as 'document size' or 'file format' can confuse students unfamiliar with digital tools. A small mistake, a missed deadline, or a missing or incorrect document can cost them the opportunity altogether. Access also comes at a cost. Students often rely on Common Services Centres or cyber cafes for application-related support, paying for services they may not fully understand. Even obtaining required certificates—such as income or domicile—involves navigating bureaucratic systems that are not always accessible or student-friendly. Local government offices like panchayats or tehsildars are typically involved only in issuing documents, not in guiding students through the application process. The support system, such as it exists, is fragmented. 3. Reimbursement models and hidden costs are an added burden Many scholarships in India follow a reimbursement model, where students are required to pay the full fee upfront and are reimbursed only after various verification processes. This model is commonly used across several central and state schemes. For instance, under the Telangana ePASS Post-Matric Scholarships, students must initially pay their fees, which are later reimbursed upon institutional and departmental verification. Similarly, the central government's Fee Reimbursement Scheme releases tuition fees only after a student has secured admission and undergone mandatory documentation checks. While this model is meant to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of funds, in practice, it often places an enormous burden on students from low-income backgrounds, defeating the purpose of financial assistance. For many, arranging even the initial payment is a struggle. We have seen students skip exams or lose seats because they could not afford to pay in time. In Jharkhand, the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students has frequently seen delays in reimbursement, prompting student protests and urgent administrative interventions. These delays are not merely bureaucratic hurdles—they can severely disrupt academic progress and push families into debt. A student from Nashik, Maharashtra, described how the reimbursement model upended her academic progress. When her scholarship was delayed, her family had to borrow money from relatives to cover the fees. Even so, she was unable to collect her hall ticket on multiple occasions and missed several exams. 'My father did everything he could, but I missed three terms. Eventually, I had to sit for all my exams at once, and the pressure affected my performance,' she said. Attempts to respond to these gaps include provisional scholarships such as YDF's Veena Upendra Scholarship in Bihar, where students are issued a certificate of commitment even before their college admission. But few such examples exist. In addition, hidden costs in college fee structures need to be addressed. Students show us receipts where 30–40 percent of the total fee is listed under vague heads such as 'development fees' or 'miscellaneous charges'. These are not covered by most scholarships and create yet another obstacle. 4. Biases around fields of study limit opportunities Scholarships are disproportionately skewed towards STEM subjects. Donors and organisations often prioritise employability, which they equate with STEM fields. This bias is also reflected in broader trends. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021–22, while arts disciplines account for the highest undergraduate enrolment at 33.5 percent, they receive significantly fewer private or merit-based scholarship opportunities compared to STEM disciplines. Students interested in humanities, arts, or commerce often find fewer opportunities. The implicit message is that their aspirations are less worthy of investment. This is especially limiting for students who are already navigating societal pressure to choose 'respectable' or 'safe' careers. 5. Caste and gender-based barriers persist More than half of the students in our survey reported facing caste-based barriers to education. These included not only individual acts of discrimination but also structural disadvantages, such as lack of informal guidance, generational gaps in education, or being passed over for recommendations. Gender plays an equally critical role. One respondent reported that growing up, she was repeatedly told, 'Had you been a boy, you could have done more for the family.' In cities such as Mahad and Nashik in Maharashtra, limited resources at home often mean that girls are the first to drop out. In Patna, societal expectations around marriage and domestic responsibilities delay or derail education altogether. Access to transportation alone becomes a deciding factor for whether a girl can continue her studies. What students really need is holistic support Financial aid is just one piece of the puzzle. Many first-generation learners navigate higher education in urban areas, unfamiliar systems, and academic expectations without any structured support. We have found that many such learners may not know how to make use of public infrastructure such as the metro when they first move to a city, or they may not feel confident enough to speak in class. Therefore, some of our initiatives are designed to provide students with mentorship, mental health resources, and life skills training in a language that is accessible to them. Bridging these seemingly small gaps can positively impact students' confidence, sense of belonging, and chances of academic continuity. Without complementary support of this kind, financial aid isn't likely to result in success. In light of these concerns, it is evident that designing a fairer, more accessible scholarship system means addressing multiple layers. Here is what must be done. Simplify the application process: Forms should be available in local languages, with clear instructions. A centralised, user-friendly portal can help reduce confusion. Forms should be available in local languages, with clear instructions. A centralised, user-friendly portal can help reduce confusion. Move away from the reimbursement model: Provide upfront support or provisional scholarships, especially for first-year students. Provide upfront support or provisional scholarships, especially for first-year students. Expand the scope: Support students beyond STEM. Value diversity in academic interests. Support students beyond STEM. Value diversity in academic interests. Build support networks: Scholarships must come with mentorship, mental health services, and transition support—especially for first-generation learners. Scholarships must come with mentorship, mental health services, and transition support—especially for first-generation learners. Ensure transparency: Break down fee structures and eliminate vague or hidden costs that scholarships don't cover. Break down fee structures and eliminate vague or hidden costs that scholarships don't cover. Listen to students: Students' insights must inform how scholarships are designed and delivered. Their lived experience is our best guide. For scholarships to open up opportunities, they must be designed in ways that reflect the true needs and first-hand experiences of marginalised students. Additionally, while financial aid is important, it must be part of a broader effort to provide sustained support—academic, emotional, and logistical—throughout a student's journey. (This article was originally published on India Development Review.) Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Haj pilgrims advised to make checklist before leaving holy land
MAKKAH: To help pilgrims reflect on and evaluate the performance of their haj rituals before returning home, the Pilgrims Fund Board (TH) has introduced a new initiative by distributing digital review forms through Google Forms. TH Guidance Operations Director Shahrin Awaludin said the initiative is intended to ensure that all religious acts performed by pilgrims are valid, properly executed, and accepted by Allah SWT, especially in adhering to the pillars and obligatory requirements of haj. He said that adhering to the pillars and obligatory requirements of haj involves specific rites and conditions that Muslims must fulfil. The pillars are essential, and the conditions ensure the pilgrimage's validity. 'TH usually holds a post-mortem session of the haj, but not all pilgrims can attend. This year, we hope to collect more comprehensive information by distributing Google Forms to all pilgrims. 'From the checklist, if pilgrims find that there are practices that have not been completed, such as throwing or mabit in Mina, they are advised to immediately refer to the Haj facilitators or guides in the Holy Land (PIHTAS) before returning to Malaysia,' he told the media here. Shahrin said TH will also hold a series of briefings and haj assessment sessions known as the 'Post-Mortem Penilaian Ibadat HajI' with pilgrims at all accommodation colleges in the Holy Land. 'Through this session, we will ensure that pilgrims have fulfilled the pillars and obligatory requirements of Hajj. If there are any shortcomings or rituals have not been properly performed, the guides will provide the necessary advice and guidance, including on performing the pillars of haj and the required dam (penalties imposed on pilgrims who violate certain haj rules).' He emphasised that the session is crucial to help pilgrims fulfil all the essential and obligatory requirements of Haj before returning home, in hopes that their pilgrimage will be accepted and earn the reward of 'Haji Mabrur' (fully accepted haj). According to Shahrin, pilgrims may reach out to PIHTAS via the e-Taib application to seek clarification on Haj matters if they are hesitant to ask directly, making it easier for them to communicate with Haj guides anytime and from anywhere. 'This matter of worship is very important and critical because we do not want any issues to arise after the pilgrims return to Malaysia. For example, regarding the payment and implementation of 'dam', which has to be resolved while in the Holy Land. 'The 'dam' cannot be paid or performed after pilgrims have left the Holy Land, as acts of slaughter, such as for goats and 'fidyah' are only valid when carried out in the Holy Land,' he said, adding that failure by the pilgrims to fulfil the pillars of hajj could result in their pilgrimage not accepted by Allah SWT.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Tabung Haji Introduces Digital Review Forms for Haj Pilgrims
MAKKAH: To help pilgrims reflect on and evaluate the performance of their haj rituals before returning home, the Pilgrims Fund Board (TH) has introduced a new initiative by distributing digital review forms through Google Forms. TH Guidance Operations Director Shahrin Awaludin said the initiative is intended to ensure that all religious acts performed by pilgrims are valid, properly executed, and accepted by Allah SWT, especially in adhering to the pillars and obligatory requirements of haj. He said that adhering to the pillars and obligatory requirements of haj involves specific rites and conditions that Muslims must fulfil. The pillars are essential, and the conditions ensure the pilgrimage's validity. 'TH usually holds a post-mortem session of the haj, but not all pilgrims can attend. This year, we hope to collect more comprehensive information by distributing Google Forms to all pilgrims. 'From the checklist, if pilgrims find that there are practices that have not been completed, such as throwing or mabit in Mina, they are advised to immediately refer to the Haj facilitators or guides in the Holy Land (PIHTAS) before returning to Malaysia,' he told the media here. Shahrin said TH will also hold a series of briefings and haj assessment sessions known as the 'Post-Mortem Penilaian Ibadat HajI' with pilgrims at all accommodation colleges in the Holy Land. 'Through this session, we will ensure that pilgrims have fulfilled the pillars and obligatory requirements of Hajj. If there are any shortcomings or rituals have not been properly performed, the guides will provide the necessary advice and guidance, including on performing the pillars of haj and the required dam (penalties imposed on pilgrims who violate certain haj rules).' He emphasised that the session is crucial to help pilgrims fulfil all the essential and obligatory requirements of Haj before returning home, in hopes that their pilgrimage will be accepted and earn the reward of 'Haji Mabrur' (fully accepted haj). According to Shahrin, pilgrims may reach out to PIHTAS via the e-Taib application to seek clarification on Haj matters if they are hesitant to ask directly, making it easier for them to communicate with Haj guides anytime and from anywhere. 'This matter of worship is very important and critical because we do not want any issues to arise after the pilgrims return to Malaysia. For example, regarding the payment and implementation of 'dam', which has to be resolved while in the Holy Land. 'The 'dam' cannot be paid or performed after pilgrims have left the Holy Land, as acts of slaughter, such as for goats and 'fidyah' are only valid when carried out in the Holy Land,' he said, adding that failure by the pilgrims to fulfil the pillars of hajj could result in their pilgrimage not accepted by Allah SWT.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
‘Only sufficient budget can save government school education system'
Leaders and voluntary organisations on Tuesday said that only sufficient budget allocation can save the public-school education system amid a declining enrolment trend in government schools in the State. A roundtable organised by Telangana People's Joint Action Committee (TPJAC) deliberated on the issues and challenges being faced by government schools and called for a comprehensive education legislation. 'Starting from age three to 18, the government must address pre-primary school and intermediate education needs. Then, on the lines of Kendriya Vidyalayas, a student must be able to pursue KG to 12 from the same school,' national convenor of MV Foundation R. Venkat Reddy said. TPJAC co-convenor Kanneganti Ravi, citing 2023-24 school data, said 'There were 28,856 schools (70.5%) government schools with 19,40,964 children enrolled (39%). Schools with a single teacher were 4,235 (23%) and schools with below 50 students were 13,930 (76%). On the other hand, there were 12,022 (29.4%) private schools and they had 36,35,898 (61%) students. And in 2024-25, 1,789 government schools were closed.' If the government is not bothered about schools being shut, if parents, teachers and citizens are not worried, and if no corrective actions are taken now – there will be no government schools in the future, the TPJAC leaders noted. The government's flagship programmes such as Young India Integrated Residential Schools (YIIRS) are not an answer to improving the system but taking care of existing schools and reopening schools that are closed, they said. Another leader K. Ravi Chander, citing 1,023 gurukul institutions in the State, said the YIIRS as an idea must be withdrawn. 'At ₹200 crore for YIIRS per Assembly constituency, or ₹23,800 crore, 700 residential institutions operating on rental basis can have their own buildings. Instead, the various gurukuls such as SC, BC, ST, Minorities and General can be renamed YIIRS, and all the 1,023 institutions must be administered by one management with unified rules'. According to retired teacher Y. Ashok Kumar, the education budget allocated by the Congress government in 2025-26 is ₹23,108 crore or 7.75% of the total estimate, which is ₹1,816 crore more than the previous year. But the Congress party rallied and promised a 15% education budget. MLC Kodandaram, in a brief address, said the government considers budget for education as an investment and initiatives such as the Telangana Education Commission were in a positive direction. The TPJAC had been gathering reactions from parents, teachers and public using Google Forms about their perception towards government schools and the declining enrolment. It proposes to submit its report along with people's perceptions to the government.
India Today
21-05-2025
- India Today
Man claims to be ex-MP's secretary, dupes job seekers in Andhra Pradesh, held
A man posing as the personal assistant to a former MP allegedly cheated several people in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district by promising government accused, Kommula Charan, claimed to be a former MP's secretary and, along with accomplices Kunche Srikanth and Maruboyna Rambabu, offered fake job placements in ONGC, healthcare, and other scam surfaced after victims approached police, leading to an FIR at Rajolu station in Konaseema. Charan is currently believed to be in In March this year, India Today unearthed an employment scheme offer run by scamsters. In the fraud, perpetrated under a non-existent 'Gramodyog Rojgar Yojana' (Rural Employment Scheme), fraudsters posed it as a government employment initiative, run by the Union Ministry of Labour and even created a website and to make it look more authentic, it had a 'Organisation Awards' section featured several images of people receiving awards at different ceremonies, which were lifted off the internet and were completely unrelated.A registration fee of Rs 1,705 was demanded via Google Forms. The India Today report warned people to not fall for these fake schemes and look for a domain address or the website URL to carry either or in November 2024, a fake website named 'Gramin Udyamita Vikash Nigam' duped job seekers by posing as a government-backed portal. It used official symbols like the national emblem and PM Modi's photo to appear legitimate and advertised fake jobs in West Bengal, Haryana and Assam. Applicants were asked to pay registration fees via QR codes. Authorities say it was part of a wider scam targeting the by Rahen Philip IN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh
