The issue of release of post-matriculation scholarship to college students belonging to Scheduled Castes has been resolved. Social Justice and Special Assistance Department of State Government has issued a letter on Wednesday, asking Social Welfare Commissioner to initiate process for release of the scholarship considering online attendance of students. Due to COVID-19 pandemic situation, colleges have been conducting online classes. As such, the condition for physical attendance of the students is not getting fulfilled, for release of scholarship and other benefits under various schemes of Social Justice Department.

 

The colleges can submit applications to the department seeking release of scholarship for students whose physical attendance is 75 per cent. In 2020-21, many colleges have submitted fresh applications for renewal. Many colleges and organisations pointed out the problem with physical attendance clause as far as release of scholarship to students was concerned. Dhananjay Munde, Social Justice Minister, took cognisance of this and asked the department to consider online attendance for release of scholarship and other benefits.

 

Accordingly, Chandrakant Wade, Desk Officer, Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, issued a letter in this regard to Social Welfare Commissioner on Wednesday. As per the letter, the amount payable to students as against scholarship, free-ship, within country scholarship, stipend, and such benefits will be released considering online attendance instead of physical attendance for the current academic year 2020-21. This comes as a relief to scores of students belonging to Scheduled Castes in the State.