Karnali Province Scholarship Program Closure: Impact on Students
The discontinuation of the scholarship program by the Karnali Province government has affected the academic pursuits of numerous students, forcing many to abandon their studies mid-term. Initiated under the integrated scholarship distribution program procedure, this initiative was expected to support the education of over a hundred students. However, the sudden cessation has left the beneficiaries distraught.
Details of the Discontinued Scholarship Program
In the fiscal year 2078/079, selected students were offered scholarships through the Directorate of Education Development. These ranged from higher education to doctoral programs, benefiting the students who were selected by the committee for this scholarship. Unfortunately, the government halted the program within a year, contravening the initial agreement.
Effects on the Students
This abrupt end of the scholarship program has had far-reaching implications, leaving the students in a state of confusion. Around 180 students, unable to meet their fees, were compelled to return home. The affected students were beneficiaries of scholarships such as higher education technical, higher education martyr, higher education open, higher education endangered, and restricted.
Breakdown of the Affected Students
The specific student breakdown includes three from higher education endangered and restricted, five from higher education scholarships for descendants of people's movement and people's war martyrs, and 20 from higher education philanthropy.
The scholarship for higher education technical covered multiple fields including MBBS, Engineering, IT, Veterinary, Staff Nursing, BNH, Ayurveda, Public Health, Radiology, Pharmacy, BSc Ag and Forestry. As per the Education Development Directorate, these 108 students will not receive scholarship funds this year and the next.
Limited Funding Allocation by the Government
This year, the Karnali Province Government allocated funding only for 42 people under the daughter-in-law scholarship, 10 people for higher education Dalit, and 7 people for higher education disabled.
The scholarship amount per student varied from 10,000 to 400,000, depending on the education level and the course of study. The government had distributed 90 million out of the 100 million fund allocated for scholarships, with a provision to increase it by 1 crore every year.
Appeals for Government Action
The sudden termination of the program has raised appeals for government action. Dipa Hamal, Acting Director of Karnali Province Education Development Directorate, urged the government to allocate the budget for continuous scholarships. Utsav Gautam, a concerned parent, expressed disappointment at the provincial government's decision, as it disrupted the education of many students who depended on these scholarships.
This unexpected development highlights the importance of secure and continuous funding for scholarships, an element crucial to ensure students can fully realize their academic potential. It is hoped that the government will address this issue promptly, restoring the hopes of these students and their families.
Published on 24th June 2023
Karnali Pradesh