1. Home
2. Front Page

'Central govt orders probe into irregularities in scholarship scheme'

Kashmir Times. Dated: 7/22/2012 12:52:13 AM

SRINAGAR, July 21(Agencies):Union minister for human resource development Kapil Sibal on Saturday said he has ordered an inquiry into the slow progress of scholarship schemes meant for Jammu and Kashmir.
“As against 5,000 scholarships, only 400 applications were received from Jammu and Kashmir. An inquiry has been ordered,” said Sibal.
A panel headed by C Rangarajan, instituted by the Prime Minister, which in 2010 recommended enhancing job opportunities in unemployment-ridden J&K.
The panel had suggested 5,000 free scholarships annually for five years beginning 2011-12, varying from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 3 lakh per annum for students.
The National Scholarship Division, Department of Higher Education, Union Ministry of Human Resources Development, had asked State School Education Department to set rolling Rs. 1,200 crore Special Scholarship Program from the academic year 2011-12.
The response, however, has been dismal in a state that has more than 5.90 lakh educated unemployed youth registered with the government.
The scheme was made applicable for courses in all government colleges, universities, engineering institutions, medical colleges and some select private institutions to be identified by Government of India.
Sibal, however, expressed satisfaction over the prevailing peaceful atmosphere saying “this has resulted in rapid growth of the education sector.”
“The Centre and state government must work together for the welfare of youth. It is heartening to see the enthusiasm towards education has grown as large number of students are enrolling and pursuing higher education through universities, NITs and other professional institutions,” said Sibal.
Stating that higher education is showing positive results with large number of on-campus placements taking place, Sibal said, “With the establishment of two central universities, 18 new polytechnics, remote campuses, enhanced allocation in programmes like SSA, RMSA and special scholarship programme for 25,000 students, the education sector will receive further boost and imputes in Jammu and Kashmir.”