Minority scholarships see a 14-fold increase in applications

AS India debates the question and methods — of minority uplift and integration with the mainstream, there are indications that within the communities at least, the spirit is willing. In what must appear as a clear sign of aspiration and desire to move ahead, candidates from minority communities have applied in overwhelming numbers for educational scholarships offered by the central government this year.

The UPA Government instituted pre-matriculation, post-matriculation and merit-cum-means scholarships for minorities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis among others) last year. Following widespread advertising in print, broadcast and Internet media, the scholarships drew around 3.5 lakh applications in 2007-’08. This year, the number has jumped a staggering 14-fold to nearly half a crore applications.

The scholarships, meant for meritorious minority students lacking financial means, are offered in all states, allocations being proportionate to the minority population.

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