Meghalaya Govt awaits Centre to release fund to clear students’ scholarship

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 10, 2024

Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Wednesday informed that the state government is waiting for the Centre to release the funds for disbursing the post-matric scholarship to students.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said, “We have done the needful. Utilization Certificates (UCs) have been sent as per requirement. So we are waiting for the Ministry (concerned to release the funds).”

“There are over 67,000 beneficiaries. Out of this, 37,000 plus were already given and another 57% (is yet to receive their scholarship),” he said.

Asked, the minister said the ministry has asked for certain papers and documents which the state has already complied with. “The ministry has asked us to use the funds…as they have sent the first instalment and we have used it and we have given the UCs also,” he added.

Sangma said out of approximately Rs 163 crore, only Rs 34 crore was released for disbursing scholarships to the students.

On BJP MDC Bernard N Marak’s statement blaming the government for failing on the issue, the education minister said, “I have seen in the newspaper that government of India has released as per his (Bernard) statement but I will be happy if he has document, he should have come and give me the letter of sanction. I don’t know how come he has received it in advance. This kind of thing can be said but facts should be substantiated.”