Delegation seeks release of funds for SC-ST scholarships

CHANDIGARH: A delegation of Punjab Unaided Technical Institutions’ Association on Wednesday met Paramjit Singh, Punjab director of social welfare, to request immediate release of funds meant for scholarships for students under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe category studying in Punjab.

The group, led by Gurvinder Singh Bahra, vice-president of the association, and its convener Anshu Kataria, asked for the release of funds to help students whose scholarships were pending either due to lack of funds or on part of college/sanctioning authority.

Interacting with the delegation, Singh said that he had already recommended the disbursement of Rs 288 crore to the finance department, which would be released within a week. He also assured that because of some small discrepancies, the future of students would not be put at stake, referring to the 7,000 cases that were pending on the part of college/sanctioning authority.

Regarding OBC scholarship, Singh added that the Punjab government had received Rs 17crore from the central government and the department will pay the maintenance allowance of students. However, tuition fee will not be reimbursed to OBC students.

The delegation also asked the department to consider SC/ST students who join their courses in January batch for the scholarship. These admissions are done under Punjab Technical University (PTU). Director social welfare said that the matter will be brought to the notice of higher authorities.