By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
The Unnathi Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which enables Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes students to study abroad with the overseas-education assistance provided by the Department of SC/ST Development, is a mirror held out to Kerala’s socio-economic development, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.
Speaking after inaugurating the distribution of Unnathi Scholarships at a function held at the Mascot Hotel here on Monday, he said it is a historic achievement that 1,104 students have received scholarships under this scheme so far.
There was a section of people in Kerala who were once denied education and knowledge. From there, the State has gradually risen to the point where they can study abroad today. This situation did not come about through an overnight change. The legislation that led to the change was not kindly handed over on a silver platter by someone. The renaissance movements in the State, the struggles undertaken by progressive political movements, and the imaginative intervention of progressive governments contributed to the change over the years, he said.
A total of 310 students in Kerala, regardless of income limit, including 50 Scheduled Tribe students, are being given Unnati scholarships of up to ₹25 lakh each. At the same time, only 125 students in the country are getting overseas scholarships under the Central Government’s scheme. O.R. Kelu, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, presided over the function.
