Shillong, Jan 24: The education cell of the Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Friday urged the state government to address the recurring delays in the disbursement of scholarships for students in the state, particularly the pre-matric and post-matric scholarships under the “Umbrella Scheme” designated for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.

In a letter to the Commissioner and Secretary of Education, Vijay Mantri, the HYC highlighted that these delays have been persistent issues, adversely affecting the educational pursuits of many students in the state. It emphasized that the timely release of scholarships is crucial to ensuring students can continue their studies without financial hindrances.

“Our recent inquiry under the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the Ministry of Education revealed that a significant factor contributing to these delays is the late submission of Utilization Certificates to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry has set a clear deadline for the submission of these certificates, typically in September each year. It is imperative that the state adheres to this timeline to ensure the timely release of funds for scholarships. We urge your esteemed department to prioritize the submission of these certificates to avoid further delays in the disbursement process,” the letter stated.

The HYC further proposed the establishment of a dedicated scholarship cell within the Education Department to address the issue comprehensively. “This cell would be responsible for overseeing the entire scholarship process independently, ensuring that it operates efficiently and effectively. By establishing a special cell focused solely on scholarships, the department can minimize the risk of delays caused by officials being burdened with unrelated responsibilities. This dedicated cell will also improve communication and coordination among various stakeholders involved in the scholarship process,” the HYC stated.