Government Allocates ₹955 Crore for Tribal Student Fellowships
The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey, has announced significant updates regarding the funding for higher education scholarships for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in India. During a Rajya Sabha session, he revealed that the budget for the scheme titled “National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students” totaled ₹735 crore for the fiscal years 2021-22 to 2025-26. However, this budget was fully utilized by the end of fiscal year 2024-25, primarily due to an increase in the number of scholars and an enhancement of fellowship amounts by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The noteworthy surge in the number of scholars participating in the open-ended National Scholarship (Top Class) scheme contributed to this early budget exhaustion. As a result, many Ph.D. scholars under the National Fellowship for ST students are experiencing delays in receiving their fellowship payments in the current financial year 2025-26. To remedy this financial shortfall, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sought an additional allocation of ₹220 crore, bringing the total budget outlay to ₹955 crore for the span of five years.
Resolution of Fellowship Payments
Despite the challenges posed by the budget constraints, the Ministry has managed to clear all pending dues for the fellowship payments to Ph.D. scholars. It is important to note that some delays in disbursement have also been attributed to the lack of submission of necessary documents, such as continuation certificates.
Addressing Grievances Effectively
To streamline the resolution of complaints and grievances related to scholarship schemes, the Ministry utilizes the Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) and the PG Portal. Recent reports indicate that the average time taken to resolve issues related to scholarship schemes, including the National Fellowship for ST students, is notably efficient. For instance, between April 1, 2025, and March 23, 2026, 825 new grievances were recorded, with 828 cases disposed of. The average disposal time for these grievances stood at just two days, showcasing the Ministry’s commitment to addressing concerns swiftly.
The proactive steps taken by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs illustrate a dedication to supporting higher education for ST students in India, ensuring that financial assistance reaches those in need as efficiently as possible.
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