Rajasthan Government Continues Scholarship for Meritorious Students Abroad

The Rajasthan government will continue its scholarship for meritorious students pursuing higher education abroad, now called the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The scheme aims to benefit eight lakh students and focus on students from needy backgrounds. Additional funds have been sought from the Central government.

The Rajasthan government's scholarship program for meritorious students pursuing higher education abroad will continue, confirmed Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot on Friday.

Addressing the assembly, Gehlot announced the scheme, previously known as the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence, has been renamed the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence. There are no plans to discontinue it, as clarified in a written response to MLA Indra Meena's question.

Gehlot also highlighted that while the scheme previously aimed to benefit only 500 students annually, the BJP government has expanded its reach. The focus is now on aiding eight lakh college students in Rajasthan, particularly those from needy backgrounds, by selecting them based on merit.

The minister criticized the previous government for not securing the outstanding scholarship funds for Scheduled Tribe students from the Central government. Due to the current government's efforts, proposals worth Rs 658.81 crore were sent to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, with Rs 220 crore already received and transferred to eligible students' accounts. The remaining funds are expected soon.

In a related update, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sumit Godara informed the assembly that about 4.35 crore people in Rajasthan benefit from the National Food Security Act, with efforts underway to add two lakh more beneficiaries.

(With inputs from agencies.)