Parliament Question: Simplification of Scholarship Process

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1413 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2026 SIMPLIFICATION OF SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS 1413. SHRI E TUKARAM: Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that many eligible Scheduled Caste students are not receiving Post-Matric Scholarships on time or are facing difficulties in getting the benefits in the country; (b) if so, the reasons for delays in release of scholarship funds, payment failures and other problems affecting students under the Scheme; (c) whether the Government proposes to simplify the scholarship process, ensure timely release of funds, improve the online payment system, strengthen grievance redressal and revise the income limit so that more deserving students can benefit; and (d) if so, the details thereof and the timeline fixed by the Government for implementing these measures? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE) (a) & (b): Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) implements Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely ‘Post-Matric Scholarships for Scheduled Castes (SCs) through the State Governments/Administration of Union Territories. For the Post Matric Scholarship for SC students Scheme applications are invited through designated online state scholarship portals/ National Scholarship Portal. States/UTs being the implementing agency defines the major modalities for inviting applications, further processing, verification and other implementation aspects with suitable mechanisms at the level of State/UT. The disbursal of Central share of the scholarship amount is purely contingent upon States/UTs disbursing their share and pushing the State/UT share paid finally verified data to the National Scholarship Portal. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes was started in the year 2021-22. It has led to simpler and faster flow of funds and has ensured accurate targeting of the beneficiaries, de-duplication and reduction of misuse of funds which has resulted in increased efficiency, effectiveness and transparency. Aadhaar seeded bank payments streamlined processes and reduced delays in scholarship disbursement.To ensure wider awareness of the Scheme across the Country, the Department has taken various steps such as placing advertisements in national and regional newspapers, running Social Media campaigns and follow up with States/UTs. Also, the Scheme is regularly monitored by the Department through National level Chintan Shivirs, Regional Meetings and National Conferences with the stakeholders and State/UT officials. (c) & (d): The review & revision of schemes is done in consultations with all concerned stakeholders following the laid down procedure. | aK 26 OK OK