Pune: The Maharashtra government has approved ₹54.55 crore for scholarships aimed at financially weaker but meritorious students from minority communities pursuing medical, technical, and professional courses, as well as other higher education programs after the 12th standard.

The funds have been sanctioned following a request from the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) to provide scholarships for students who applied in the academic years 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. The amount will be disbursed through the Directorate of Technical Education, with the Director serving as the controlling authority.

The allocated funds will first be used to clear pending scholarship amounts for eligible students from previous years. Any remaining balance after settling these dues will be utilized to fund scholarships for new beneficiaries in the academic year 2024-25.

This initiative aims to support students from minority communities by reducing their financial burden and ensuring uninterrupted access to higher education.