The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has come up with a scheme to fund higher studies of around 100 Dalit students overseas. Deserving students, who are willing to pursue M. Phil and Ph.D. courses abroad in the fields of agriculture, law, medicine, engineering, and humanities will be able to apply under the scheme. Delhi’s SC/ST Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam told PTI that this proposal is likely to be put before the cabinet soon.

He further added the Delhi government will provide financial assistance up to Rs 10 lakhs for a 2-year course and Rs 20 lakh for a 4-year course to around 100 candidates.

He also explained the reason behind this decision, “A family income ceiling of Rs 6 lakh is expected. Pursuing higher studies abroad costs a great deal of money. We have no dearth of talented people who can accomplish anything given equal opportunities. The AAP government has decided to hold their hand.”

Gautam further added an example of Saiyyaji Rao Gaekwad, the former ruler of Baroda state, who funded Bhim Rao Ambedkar‘s education abroad “giving him a chance to showcase his talent and the rest is history”.

Under the National Overseas Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides similar financial support to 100 candidates each year.

Last year, the AAP govt also launched the Jai Bhim Mukhyemantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana. Under this scheme, Dalit students can avail free coaching for various exams. As many as 4,953 students enrolled for availing coaching for various exams. The exams covered under this scheme comprised of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), banks, Railway Recruitment Board, Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) and insurance companies in 2018-19, under this scheme.

35 of 107 students, who got free coaching for engineering and medical entrance exams cleared the Joint Engineering Entrance (JEE) Main and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) this year.

Source: India Today