PhD Scholars Plan Pune to Mumbai March for Scholarship Disbursements
Pune, 24th June 2024:The politics in Maharashtra has been stirred by issues concerning Maratha and OBC reservations, alongside the mismanagement of PhD scholarships by state institutions like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research & Training Institute (BARTI), Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI), MahaJyoti, and Tribal Research and Training Institute (TRTI). Despite efforts by the government to streamline these institutions, many students continue to be deprived of scholarships. In response, PhD scholars statewide are planning a long march from Mahatma Phule Wada in Pune to Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai from 24th June to 2nd July.
These students, affiliated with BARTI, SARTHI, MahaJyoti, and TRTI, are marching due to the lack of scholarship disbursements. These institutes cater to Maratha, OBC, and tribal communities, respectively. The Maharashtra government allocates scholarships to economically and socially disadvantaged PhD students through these organizations. However, students allege that scholarship distribution rights were revoked several months ago, resulting in pending scholarships for two years. Their main demand is for an immediate resolution of this issue.
Meanwhile, students across the country, including those in Maharashtra, are expressing anger over the NEET paper leakage. The situation in Maharashtra has taken a serious turn as shocking information reveals that a teacher, who was released after the police investigation, has absconded in connection with this paper leak. While one teacher has been detained by the police, Sanjay Jadhav, the teacher who absconded, remains at large. Additionally, information has surfaced that a case has been registered against four individuals in connection with this incident.
With no scholarships for two years, students from disadvantaged backgrounds are now facing the prospect of dropping out. Frustrated with this situation, they have opted for a long march to coincide with the legislative session, aiming to draw attention to their plight.
