Bhopal- Scheduled Caste and Backward Class students at the Datia campus of Makhanlal National University of Journalism and Communication have been awaiting scholarship disbursement for the past year and a half. These students assert that the college management failed to verify the scholarship applications submitted, resulting in the delay. Additionally, students claim they have been subjected to caste-based language within the college.

In 2018, Makhanlal National Journalism and Communication University established a campus in Datia, where students subsequently enrolled. Presently, nine students are enrolled in the MA Journalism program for the 2023-24 session. Among them, four belong to the backward class, one is from the scheduled caste, and four are from the general category. Despite being eligible, five students from reserved categories have yet to receive their scholarships, which remain pending for over a year.

Students at the Journalism University's Datia campus have lodged complaints with the university's vice-chancellor, the campus in-charge, and the CM helpline. They allege that college employee Shivdutt Sharma's failure to timely verify the scholarship applications led to the delay. Despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, including discussions with college officials, students have not received their scholarships. Furthermore, students assert that when they inquire about their scholarships, Sharma responds rudely and employs caste-related language.

Speaking with The Mooknayak, MA Journalism student Vikas Verma shared his experience of applying for the scholarship in 2022. As a student from a backward class, he submitted his application but was informed by Sharma that the government had not released the budget yet. However, after waiting for a year and a half, the scholarship has yet to materialize. Another student, Rohit Bajoria, belonging to the Scheduled Caste, echoed Verma's sentiments, blaming the college management's negligence for the scholarship delay. Bajoria recounted a similar experience of Sharma's uncooperative attitude and the use of caste-related language.

The delay in scholarship disbursement due to the college management's negligence has sparked anger among students. With only two months remaining to complete their courses, students are frustrated by the lack of progress on their scholarship applications. They have expressed their intention to initiate agitation if their concerns are not addressed promptly. The students have demanded immediate scholarship disbursement and action against those responsible for the delay.

In response, campus in-charge Kapil Chansoria refuted claims of negligence regarding scholarship disbursement. He explained that scholarship applications are processed through an online portal managed by the government, and the reason for the delay remains unclear. Chansoria acknowledged a complaint regarding Sharma's behavior and confirmed issuing a show-cause notice to the employee. However, he stated that no complaints regarding caste-related language had been received from students.

Efforts to contact KG Suresh, Vice Chancellor of Makhanlal National Journalism and Communication University, were unsuccessful.