Harish Rao demands immediate release of funds for overseas education scholarships

He demanded that the government immediately clear the pending arrears and complete the selection process for new beneficiaries to ensure that financially weak students do not lose the opportunity to study abroad

Hyderabad: Former Minister and BRS MLA T Harish Rao has raised concerns over the Congress government’s inaction in releasing scholarship funds under the overseas education scheme, leaving students in distress. He demanded that the government immediately clear the pending arrears and complete the selection process for new beneficiaries to ensure that financially weak students do not lose the opportunity to study abroad.

Taking to X on Thursday, Harish Rao criticised the government for neglecting beneficiaries who had already gone abroad and were now struggling without financial support. He stated that the government’s continued negligence might deprive thousands of students of their opportunity to quality education abroad.

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“It is unacceptable that students selected under the scheme are complaining about not receiving their scholarship money, and yet the government remains indifferent,” he said.

Despite assurances from Tribal Welfare Minister D Anasuya alias Seethakka during the Assembly session that funds would be released by March, no funds were released, Harish Rao pointed out, adding that while the government was quick to clear bills for big contractors, it had failed to prioritise the education of underprivileged students.

The overseas scholarship scheme was initiated by former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao to support SC, ST, BC, minority, and economically weaker students from upper castes. Harish Rao said the scheme was being neglected since the Congress came to power and no student was selected under the scheme. The process had stalled at the application stage for over a year and a half, leaving students in limbo.

“While some have taken loans and went abroad, others are still waiting, hoping for government assistance that has not materialised,” he said.