New Delhi: The Union government has begun steps to resume scholarship schemes for students from minority communities. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Lok Sabha that the Ministry has sought approval from the Expenditure Finance Committee to revive the schemes.
The Minister responded to a question from CPI(M) MP Amra Ram. The question sought details on the discontinuation of minority scholarships and the timeline for restoration. In a written reply, the Minister stated that the schemes did not receive approval beyond the 2021 to 22 financial year.
The Ministry earlier ran three scholarship schemes. These included pre matric, post matric, and merit cum means scholarships. These schemes supported students from six notified minority communities across India. Thousands of students depended on this support for school and higher education expenses.
According to the government, the halt followed alerts raised by the National Scholarships Portal. The portal flagged suspicious activity linked to fund misuse. The Ministry then asked States and Union Territories to verify institutions under doubt. Investigating agencies also received requests to act against defaulters. The government cited these issues as the reason for non extension of the schemes.
The Minister informed Parliament that the Ministry now seeks EFC approval for the next funding cycle under the Sixteenth Finance Commission. This cycle begins on April 1, 2026. Once approval arrives, the Ministry plans to place the scholarship schemes back into operation.
Muslim groups and education activists have raised concerns over the long gap. They point to rising dropout rates among minority students after Class 10. Data from earlier years showed minority scholarships helped cover fees, books, and hostel costs.
The proposed revival offers relief to families facing financial strain. Students and institutions now await a clear timeline for implementation.
