New Delhi: Member of Parliament Fauzia Khan has urged Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju to expedite the opening of the online application portal for minority scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year . The current delay is causing widespread uncertainty among students and educational institutions, potentially leading to missed academic deadlines and significant financial distress for eligible beneficiaries across the country.
MP Urges Prompt Portal Opening
In a formal letter addressed to Minister Rijiju, MP Khan articulated the urgent need for clarity. She stated that students from minority communities across India are actively awaiting the commencement of the application process. Khan specifically requested the Ministry to provide a clear and expected timeline for the portal’s launch. This transparency would enable students, parents, and educational stakeholders to plan their academic and financial commitments effectively.
Khan underscored the vital role these scholarships play in providing educational access. She highlighted that they are particularly crucial for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds within minority communities. These funds directly support tuition, books, and living expenses, making higher education attainable. MP Khan explicitly requested the Ministry’s direct intervention to ensure the prompt opening of the minority scholarship portal, mitigating further stress for applicants.
Scholarship Eligibility and Criteria
The Ministry of Minority Affairs administers both pre-matric and post-matric scholarships. These are available to students belonging to recognized minority communities. To qualify, applicants must have secured not less than 50% marks in their previous final examination.
Financial eligibility also applies:
- For pre-matric scholarships, the annual income of the applicant’s parents or guardians, from all sources, must not exceed Rs 1 lakh .
- For post-matric scholarships, the annual income limit for parents or guardians is capped at Rs 2 lakh .
Persistent Budget Reductions
Data from the Education Budget indicates a consistent decline in the financial provisions for minority student scholarships over recent years. This reduction directly affects the scope and reach of these vital educational aids.
For the current financial year, the budget allocated for pre-matric scholarships for minorities has been significantly reduced to Rs 90 crore . This figure represents a substantial cut of Rs 236.16 crore from the initial estimated allocation. The trend was also evident in the 2023-24 academic year, where the actual expenditure of Rs 337.17 crore was lower than the amount originally designated. Similarly, the post-matric scholarship for minorities has experienced a parallel decline. The revised estimate for the current year showed a cut of Rs 801.09 crore from its initial allocation, signaling a significant reduction in available funds.
Minority Scholarship Budget Overview
| Scholarship Type | Year | Original Allocation (Rs Crore) | Revised Estimate/Actual Spending (Rs Crore) | Reduction (Rs Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Matric | Current FY (2025-26) | 326.16 (Estimate) | 90 | -236.16 |
| Pre-Matric | 2023-24 | (Original Allocation not specified) | 337.17 (Actual) | (Lower than allocated) |
| Post-Matric | Current FY (2025-26) | (Original Allocation not specified) | (Revised Estimate not specified) | -801.09 |
Past Issues: Ineligible Beneficiaries
A prior report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted serious concerns regarding the disbursement of pre- and post-matric scholarships. The report found that thousands of these scholarships were awarded to ineligible or fake beneficiaries. This audit pointed to deficiencies in the verification process within the National Scholarship Portal, leading to significant financial losses and diverting aid from deserving students.
Guidance for Prospective Applicants
Students from minority communities intending to apply for these critical scholarships are advised to regularly monitor the official website of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Timely updates on the portal’s opening and application procedures will be crucial. An early launch will provide ample opportunity for applicants to gather necessary documents and complete their submissions without unnecessary pressure, ensuring they do not miss out on vital educational support.