Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. FIle
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Accusing the Narendra Modi-led Union government of “usurping” educational scholarships meant for students from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), other backward class (OBC) and minority communities, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday (February 25, 2025) claimed the government’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Development for all)‘ slogan mocks the aspirations of disadvantaged students.
Collating data from Budget documents and replies given in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Kharge shared a chart that claimed that the beneficiaries of pre-matric scholarships for OBC students have come down by 77% over the last five years, while those meant for minorities have plunged 94% in four years, and scholarships for SC students have dropped 57%.
Fewer beneficiaries, funds
“Narendra Modi ji, Your government has snatched the scholarships of the youth of SC, ST, OBC and Minority categories in the country,” Mr. Kharge said in a post on X. “These shameful government statistics show that the Modi government has not only drastically reduced the beneficiaries in all scholarships, but has also spent 25% less funds on an average year after year,” he added.
The Congress chief asked how youth employment could be boosted unless such disadvantaged students are given opportunities, and their skills are encouraged. “Your slogan of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ mocks the aspirations of the weaker sections every day!” Mr. Kharge added.
Published – February 25, 2025 09:50 pm IST