Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI- Mufti Sheikh Abu Bakar Ahmed, the founder of All India Sunni Jamiat Ulema, has raised concerns over serious irregularities in higher education scholarships for minority communities. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani, Mufti has called for immediate attention to rectify issues affecting students, particularly those engaged in research.
The focus of Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad’s letter is the decision to close the Maulana Azad National Scholarship, a move that has stirred controversy and raised questions about the government’s commitment to supporting students in need. Mufti has vehemently urged the withdrawal of this decision, emphasising its detrimental impact on students relying on financial aid to pursue their education in premier institutions across the country.
The letter sheds light on the evident gap between the assurances given to students and the actual distribution of funds, with Mufti Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad expressing concern over the challenges faced by students in accessing financial aid. The Ministry of Minorities has assigned the National Minority Economic Development Corporation with the responsibility of distributing scholarships, but the corporation has acknowledged its struggle to secure funds from the ministry.
Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad has underscored the disparity between the increase in scholarships for OBC-SC-ST categories, such as JRF and National Fellowship, and the reduction or non-payment of minority scholarships. This raises serious questions about potential discrimination in scholarship distribution.
The letter also draws attention to the plight of students from Christian, Muslim, Sikh, and Parsi communities, emphasising the urgent need for corrective action to address these issues and alleviate challenges in accessing education.
As Mufti Sheikh Abu Bakr Ahmed calls for urgent intervention to remove the loopholes in the minority scholarship system, the appeal emphasises the importance of upholding the highest principles and standards in ensuring fair and equitable access to education for all.
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