Kerala govt sanctions ₹30 crore to clear post-matric scholarship arrears for OEC, OBC students

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government has taken measures to clear all outstanding post-matric scholarship arrears for students from backward classes across the state. As part of the initiative, an additional ₹30 crore has been sanctioned, bringing the total clearance figure to ₹310 crore, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes K. A. Thulasi announced on Wednesday.

The funds will completely resolve long-pending scholarship dues owed to post-matric students belonging to Other Eligible Communities (OEC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

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Accelerated disbursements under 100-day programme

This latest ₹30 crore allocation comes on top of funds previously released for the scheme. With this release, the United Democratic Front (UDF) administration has disbursed a total of ₹310 crore for backward class students within just 84 days of assuming office. The department for backward classes welfare/development will now initiate the necessary follow-up procedures based on the new government order.

The department is expediting steps to deposit the sanctioned funds directly into the bank accounts of eligible students.

Minister Thulasi stated that the emergency measures were prompted by the severe financial strain placed on students and parents due to payment delays under the previous government. She added that the rapid clearance of these arrears fulfills a key pledge under the government's 100-day action plan.