Scholarship Delay Sparks Anger Among Tribal Students
For the second consecutive year, hundreds of tribal students have remained without their scholarship funds, triggering anger and deep frustration. Students allege that despite repeated visits to the Tribal Welfare Department and appeals to senior officials and the minister, authorities have failed to resolve the issue.
The prolonged delay has affected students from economically weaker backgrounds who depend on the scholarship to pay tuition fees, hostel charges, and daily expenses. Many said the uncertainty has disrupted their education and mental well-being.
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Protest Turns Tense at Department Office
On Friday, aggrieved students gathered at the department office to demand immediate release of the pending scholarship amounts. Tensions rose when the students tried to meet the Additional Director. They alleged that the official misbehaved with them and refused to address their concerns.
Angered by the response, the students locked the office gates and staged a sit-in protest inside the premises. The demonstration soon intensified as students shouted slogans and demanded accountability.
Scuffle Breaks Out, Police Intervene
The situation worsened when another department official entered into a heated argument with the protesters. The verbal clash soon escalated into physical scuffles, further aggravating tensions inside the office.
Following the disturbance, police were called to the scene. Officers arrived promptly, broke open the locked gates, and brought the situation under control. Police personnel remained deployed at the site to prevent further unrest.
Minister Contacted Amid Escalating Crisis
Sensing the seriousness of the protest, department officials contacted the minister overseeing the Tribal Welfare Department. According to the protesting students, the minister initially avoided direct intervention but later changed his stance after receiving multiple calls from his staff.
After the protest, students addressed the media and made serious allegations. They claimed the minister admitted during internal discussions that some officials were siphoning off scholarship funds. Students also alleged possible involvement of senior figures in the delay and misappropriation.
Students Demand Probe and Immediate Relief
The protesting students said they would not accept verbal assurances anymore. They demanded an independent inquiry into the alleged fund siphoning and immediate disbursement of the pending scholarships.
“For two years, we have been pushed from one office to another. Our education is suffering, and no one is taking responsibility,” one student protester said.
Several students warned that if authorities fail to act, they would intensify their agitation in the coming days.
Questions Raised Over Accountability
The controversy has raised serious questions about transparency and accountability within the Tribal Welfare Department. Students deprived of their scholarships said they were still waiting for concrete action rather than promises.
Civil society groups have also called for strict action against officials found guilty of misusing public funds. Many believe the incident reflects deeper administrative failures that require urgent reform.
As of now, the department has not issued an official clarification addressing the allegations. Students continue to demand justice, accountability, and timely release of their rightful scholarship funds.
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