Pune: Students under the Mahatma Jotiba Phule Research and Training Institute (MahaJyoti) have alleged discrimination in the implementation of the government’s research scholarship policy.
While their counterparts at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI) and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training, and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) receive full scholarships from their registration date, MahaJyoti students have been allocated funds for only six months. This has led students to question why the policy is being implemented differently across institutions despite being designed as a uniform scheme.
Research students from various institutions had earlier staged protests at Azad Maidan, demanding uniform scholarship distribution. Their concerns were addressed by then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who assured them that all students would receive their scholarships.
Following this, the Other Backward Class Welfare Department issued an ordinance in October 2023, directing students to apply for the scheme. Despite this, MahaJyoti has informed students that they will only receive six months’ worth of scholarship funds, citing budget constraints.
Students Feel Cheated
Speaking on the issue, some affected students expressed their frustration:
"Students at BARTI and SARTHI are receiving scholarships from their registration date. Then why are MahaJyoti students being treated differently? The government has issued a uniform policy, but its implementation is inconsistent. Even after the ordinance was passed, MahaJyoti has failed to enforce it fully. When we contacted officials, they blamed a lack of funds. This is outright cheating of MahaJyoti students." – Thaku Pujari, Research Student, MahaJyoti
"For two and a half years, we have been fighting for research scholarships. We had to stage multiple protests, conduct long marches, and even visit the state ministry several times, but nothing concrete has come out of it. The government's apathy towards higher education is mentally exhausting. While BARTI and SARTHI students receive scholarships, why are we being left out?" – Govind Suryavanshi, Research Student, MahaJyoti
"After relentless efforts, protests, and marches, the government decision was announced. However, it remains just a paper directive. Due to bureaucratic hurdles, students are suffering. Many of us have had to take loans to continue our research. The government must not play with our future." – Govind Suryavanshi
When questioned about the issue, Kunal Shirsathe, Project Director of MahaJyoti, stated: "Granting full scholarships to all eligible students from their registration date requires ₹126.14 crore. This issue has newly emerged and is beyond the approved action plan. We have requested additional funds from the government. Once the funds are allocated, the pending scholarship amounts will be distributed as per regulations."
Key Figures:
Students Affected: 903
Duration Without Full Scholarship: 3 years
Funds Required: ₹126.14 crore
