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Shimla, May 10
SFI expresses deep concern over the continued delay in the disbursal of National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) funds for students from marginalised communities, who have undertaken studies abroad. Several NOS recipients currently enrolled in universities overseas have not received their stipulated payments since March 2026.
State President of Students Federation of India Anil Thakur stated that students at institutions in the UK are entitled to approximately £2,500 as maintenance support for the quarter commencing in March 2026.
Despite repeated appeals by students, they have been notified that the required funds have not yet been released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
This delay has placed many students in a position of significant financial strain and uncertainty, affecting their ability to meet living expenses and continue their academic work amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The National Overseas Scholarship remains a critical lifeline for students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised backgrounds, enabling access to higher education opportunities that would otherwise be unattainable.
Any disruption in its timely disbursal undermines the very objective of the scheme and disproportionately impacts those already facing structural barriers.
The current delay has compelled many students to seek alternative sources of income, severely impacting their academic commitments and overall well-being.
If the disbursal of payments is not put into effect immediately, many students will be forced to seek precarious work or consider discontinuing their studies due to the financial constraints imposed on them.
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Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment act without further delay in releasing the pending funds and address the concerns of affected students with the urgency and accountability the situation demands.
The timely and reliable disbursal of scholarship funds is a critical obligation that must be upheld to safeguard the educational continuity, dignity, and well-being of students from marginalised communities pursuing higher education abroad.
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