(a) whether a new circular issued by the Government for pre and post matric scholarships for minority girl students is drawing flak and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the new circular complicates the process of filling the applications and also makes income declaration more complicated; and
(c) if so, whether the Government is considering to review the matter in light of the protests?
MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
(SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)
(a) to (c): No, Madam. The procedure for making application for any scholarship scheme requires the students to furnish self-declaration in respect of ‘Community’ status and ‘Income Certificate’, issued by the competent authority in the State/UT. In fact, this has made the application process more transparent and accessible to weaker sections among the Minority Communities. The number of applications, received by the Government, have increased in the current year. There is 300% increase in the number of applications for Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Meritorious Girls, implemented by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF). There is also an increase in the number of applications for Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Schemes for both boys & girls, implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
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