Parliament Slams Minority Affairs Ministry Over Scholarship Delays in India

(OT Webdesk)The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has sharply criticized the Ministry of Minority Affairs for prolonged delays in key scholarship schemes meant for economically disadvantaged minority students.

In its Eleventh Report tabled in Parliament, the committee revealed that the Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and Merit-cum-Means scholarships have been suspended since 2022–23, leaving thousands of students without essential financial support.

The panel expressed concern over the ministry’s failure to coordinate with other departments like Tribal Affairs and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which have continued their programs uninterrupted.

The report also flagged administrative bottlenecks and underutilised budgets in the implementation of the PM VIKAS scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram.

It urged the ministry to ensure time-bound approvals and full utilisation of funds before the current Finance Commission cycle ends in 2026.

These findings have reignited debates on equitable access to education and the need for transparent governance in welfare delivery.