Scholarship Woes Afflict Scheduled Caste Students at Lucknow University

Lucknow— Education is considered a weapon for people belonging to marginalized sections of society. A vast section of people from deprived sections has managed to achieve a dignified livelihood because of the education they have received. Unfortunately, most of the people don't earn enough to afford education. The scholarships provided by the government have come in handy for students from SC/ST/OBC communities, as these sections are still crippled by financial deprivation. However, the non-disbursal of scholarships to students threatens to impinge on the educational prospects of the candidates. Late or non-disbursal of scholarships also leads to dropout rates from educational institutes.

The Mooknayak visited Lucknow University and spoke to some students on the campus to understand their privations in the face of it. Lucknow University is a state university established in the year 1921.

The Mooknayak met several such students in Lucknow who are yet to receive their scholarships for the previous few years. The team visited the old campus of Lucknow University to learn about the hardships faced by the students due to the non-receipt of scholarships.

No Scholarship Leads to Difficulties in Sustaining Themselves

Manav Rawat, a student associated with BAPSA, says, "The students are not receiving scholarships despite applying for them. When the students submit the forms, the people in the office point out small errors each time they go to them, and by the time they rectify the mistakes, the deadline has passed."

Shubham Bharti, a student of BSc 2nd year, says that despite fulfilling all the formalities and verifying the documents, they don't receive the scholarship. He adds that the absence of scholarships also leads to financial hardships as he lives on rent in Lucknow.

Ashutosh Kumar, a student belonging to Malihabad, Lucknow, enrolled in the fifth semester of BSc, says, "Last year, I applied for the scholarship and had it verified everywhere, but I didn't receive it. The employees at the SC/ST cell give us the runaround and send us to the bank, but even after getting verified by the bank, we are not given the scholarship. Ashutosh's father passed away some years before, and his mother works as an ANM.

The Mooknayak reached out to the university employees, but they declined to comment on the issue.

BBAU Students Call Off Demonstration Against the Administration

Meanwhile, the students at BBAU who were protesting against the non-disbursal of their scholarships at Ambedkar Bhawan on the campus called off their protest after they received a written assurance that they won't be approached for their tuition fees. Praveen Kumar, a protesting student, said, "We were demanding a written assurance, and the Director of UIET has issued a written notice in which they have assured that their mark sheets and degrees will not be held in lieu of the fees."

However, it is essential to remember that scholarships also help sustain the students who have come far away from their homes.

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