Youths seek rollback in budget cut for minority scholarship

Summary: "Going by the budget cut for minority scholarships, we fear that 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' could remain a mere slogan. Such benefits were paving the way for a level-playing field in the field of education for minority students. The provision made under pre-matric scholarship in 2015-16 was Rs 1,040 crore, which has been reduced to 931 crore in 2016-17. "These scholarships ensure equal opportunities for minority students. Aurangabad: Local youths have initiated an online petition asking the government to rollback it decision of reducing around Rs 139 crore from the budget for minority scholarships for pre and post-matric students.Terming the cut injustice and discrimination towards minority students, youths led by Azad Yuva Brigade have sought allocation of additional Rs 500 crore towards these scholarships.

Aurangabad: Local youths have initiated an online petition asking the government to rollback it decision of reducing around Rs 139 crore from the budget for minority scholarships for pre and post-matric students.Terming the cut injustice and discrimination towards minority students, youths led by Azad Yuva Brigade have sought allocation of additional Rs 500 crore towards these scholarships."The annual budget presented by the BJP government recently came as rude shock for us. The provision made under pre-matric scholarship in 2015-16 was Rs 1,040 crore, which has been reduced to 931 crore in 2016-17. Similarly, Rs 550 crore was allocated for the post-matric scholarship scheme, a reduction of Rs 30 crore as compared to last year," said Waseem Siddiqui of the group.He said scholarships at pre and post-matric levels had infused confidence among minority students and reducing the financial allocations was unfortunate."These scholarships ensure equal opportunities for minority students.

Such benefits were paving the way for a level-playing field in the field of education for minority students. Instead of giving financial boost to such measures, the Centre has taken a negative decision," Siddiqui said.The online petition, addressed to Union finance minister Arun Jaitely, minority affairs minister Najma Heptullah and minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha categorically appeals the government to fulfil its promise of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas'."Going by the budget cut for minority scholarships, we fear that 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' could remain a mere slogan. We to appeal the Union ministers to match their words with deeds," the Azad Yuva Brigade said.A memorandum in support of the demand was also submitted to the Aurangabad divisional commissioner recently.The ministry of minority affairs, in its recent communique, as announced that its budget was increased by over Rs 87 crore for 2016-17.Stating that the minority affairs ministry has prioritised its foc us areas in tune with the national priority for educational and economic empowerment through skill development, Heptullah had said that almost 50% of the budget would go for educational empowerment of minorities, which is a critical need for their development..

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Youths-seek-rollback-in-budget-cut-for-minority-scholarship/articleshow/51456499.cms

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Source: Youths seek rollback in budget cut for minority scholarship