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In a major relief to students waiting for release of overseas scholarships, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka directed the Finance department officials to immediately clear ₹303 crore dues pending payment. The directive will ensure release of dues pending since 2022 to SC, ST, BC, OC and minority students. Mr. Bhatti Vikramarka wanted the dues to be cleared at once. The development assumes significance as several families had been waiting for clearance of dues for some time now. The scholarship would provide succour to students from poor and middle class families who went abroad under the Overseas Scholarship scheme for pursuing higher education and securing employment to uplift their economic conditions. Non-release of scholarship funds since the previous government’s tenure resulted in severe mental and financial stress to them especially at a time when countries like the U.S. and U.K. imposed new restrictions, adding to students’ psychological pressure. Realising the gravity of the situation, the Deputy Chief Minister ordered release of funds rekindling hopes of students and their families.
