Parliament Question: Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 856 ANSWERED ON 04/02/2026 MERIT-CUM-MEANS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME

856. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that the unit rate of Merit-cum-means scholarship for minority communities has not been revised since 2008;

(b) if so, the reasons for non-revision of the rates despite rising tuition fees and living expenses;

(c) the details of the reduction of beneficiaries due to inadequate scholarship amount;

(d) whether the Government is aware that a significant amount of funds allocated for scholarships is unutilised and if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) the steps taken by the Government to utilise the unutilised funds for the welfare of the minority community;

(f) whether the Government plans to conduct a review of Merit-cum-Means scholarship for minority communities to enhance the amount of scholarship to support poor and meritorious students from these communities; and

(g) if so, the timeline proposed for such revision and its implementation under the scheme? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) and (b): Under the Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship scheme, there was a provision of full fee reimbursement for listed institutes. Besides, an amount of Rs. 20,000/- as scholarship and Rs. 10,000 as maintenance allowance for hostellers, were given to those students who were not covered under the category of listed institutes.

(c) to (e): The scheme has not been approved for implementation beyond 2021-22.

(f) and (g): There is no such proposal under consideration of this Ministry. *****