Withdraw DBT mode for scholarships disbursal: University of Hyderabad students’ write open letter to CM Revanth

Prima facie, this new scholarships disbursal mode appears neutral or efficient. In reality, it forces students to mobilise funds they do not have.

Hyderabad: The University of Hyderabad (UoH) students on Saturday demanded that the State government immediately withdraw the direct benefit transfer (DBT) mode for the post-matric scholarships (fee reimbursement) disbursal for SC students.

In an open letter to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Ambedkar Students’ Association (ASA) – UoH unit raised concerns about the implementation of the DBT model for post-matric scholarships from the academic year 2024-25. Until now, institutions processed fee waivers at the time of admissions for SC students, with the understanding that the Social Welfare department would reimburse the fee directly to the university.

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“Under the new policy, SC students are expected to pay the tuition, hostel and mess fees up front and await reimbursement into their personal bank accounts. Prima facie, this might appear neutral or efficient. In reality, it forces students, many of whom come from socially and economically disadvantaged households, to mobilise funds they do not have,” the letter said.

Students also demanded the establishment of a grievance redressal and monitoring system to ensure timely scholarship disbursal and accountability at all levels.