Call for Accountability Disqualified Candidates Asked for Valid Reason for Disqualification

Students Demand Transparency After Disappointing Scholarship Results

Overseas education scholarships for minorities are established by the government to provide financial aid to students from underrepresented communities who wish to study abroad, break down economic barriers and promote diversity in education by giving minority students access to high-quality education opportunities worldwide.

The state government has increased the number of beneficiaries for overseas education scholarships to 75 students for the first time. However, when the selected candidates list was published last week, it included only 24 names, prompting concerns. Students have alleged that at least 50 candidates have applied for the scholarships and are now demanding the government to release a list of disqualified candidates, along with the reasons for their disqualification. Additionally, there are claims that the government did not effectively promote the scheme, leading to a disappointing response. This scheme is based on the success of similar initiatives aimed at meritorious students from minority backgrounds who have gained admission to postgraduate and PhD programs at foreign universities ranked in the top 100 according to the QS World University rankings.

The Minority Development Department released the list of 24 candidates awarded overseas education scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year. This list features 23 students selected for postgraduate courses and one for a PhD program abroad. Following the release of the list, many disappointed candidates began to voice their concerns. One applicant, Kuldeep Ambekar, expressed his disbelief at being excluded. He had applied under the  Buddhist minority category and submitted the required documents as instructed.

However, when the list was published, his name was missing, and was informed that his submitted documents did not adequately verify his status within the Buddhist category. In this absurd situation, an advocate and the founder of a youth organization called Student Helping Hand asked for a valid reason for this disqualification. In the process, several other students came forward to share their complaints with them.

Editor's Note:

The recent release of the overseas education scholarship list by the Minority Development Department has raised significant concerns among students. As the government has increased the number of beneficiaries, the low selection rate has left many applicants questioning the transparency of the process. As students from minority backgrounds seek opportunities to study abroad, the government must address these concerns, ensure equitable access, and clarify the selection process. 

Skoobuzz hopes the government will promptly address this issue and provide clear explanations regarding the disqualification of students from the scholarship program.