Pune: The Swadhar Yojana, designed to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Neo-Buddhist students, has been delayed for over six months, forcing many students in Pune to take up part-time jobs to cover living expenses. Students pursuing higher education in Pune, one of Maharashtra’s most expensive cities, are struggling due to pending financial aid from the Social Welfare Department.

The Social Welfare Department published the Swadhar Yojana advertisement on July 31, 2024. The deadline for applications was extended multiple times—first to November 30, 2024, then to December 31, 2024, and finally to January 15, 2025. Despite these extensions, students have yet to receive financial support. The delay has created severe hardships, leading students to question how much longer they will have to wait.

A law student from Jalgaon shared his struggle: "My father is a laborer, and our family has limited financial resources. I applied for the Swadhar Yojana in November 2024, but I haven't received any funds. My academic year will end in March, and I cannot ask my family for money. I am managing my education by working as a delivery boy to cover rent and food expenses."

Speaking on the issue, a group of students, who requested anonymity, expressed their frustration: "We applied for the Swadhar Yojana in July 2024. However, due to technical issues, the deadline was extended several times. Now, more than six months later, we still have not received any benefits. Surviving in Pune without financial aid is becoming increasingly difficult. The process should be expedited to ensure students receive justice."

Bharat Kendre, Deputy Commissioner, Social Welfare Department, stated: "A proposal has been submitted to the state government requesting that students who did not apply for government hostel admission but applied directly for Swadhar Yojana be considered as a special case. Once a decision is received from the government, students will receive their benefits immediately."