THE DEMOCRATISATION OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY-SCHOLARSHIPS
(A) FOR STUDIES ABROAD
1. Government of India Scholarships Schemes Consequent on the bifurcation of the erstwhile Ministry of Education and Scientific Research into the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Scientific Research & Cultural Affairs the scho- larships schemes dealt with in the erstwhile Ministry were reallocated between the new Ministries according to the broad subjects for which each of them is responsible. There are, however, some schemes which are being operated jointly by the new Ministries according to the subjects within their purview and it has been decided that the awards under such schemes between the two Ministries, i.e., Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Scientific Research & Cultural Affairs will be allocated in the ratio of 1 : 4. Details of suck jointly operated schemes are as given below :
Central Overseas Scholarships Scheme.-The Scheme is meant for teachers of colleges, universities and certain com- parable institutions of Higher education and aims at raising the standard of instruction and research in the country. Of the total of eight scholars selected for higher studies in Humanities for 1958-59, six have gone abroad. The remaining two scholars will leave as soon as their admission/passage arrangements have been finalised.
A budget provision of Rs. 54,600 has been made provi- sionally or 1959-60 to meet the expenditure on the Scheme.
Union Territories Overseas Scholarships (formerly known as Central States Scholarships Scheme).-Under this Scheme five scholarships are awarded to persons who by birth or domicile are natives of the six Union Territories. It was continued during 1958-59.
The cases of all the five scholars selected for 1958-59 were transferred to the Ministry of Scientific Research & Cultural Affairs- However, from 1959-60 onwards the allocation between the two Ministries will be in the ratio of 1 : 4.
A sum of Rs. 15,200 has been provided on this account in the budget for 1959-60.
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Twenty Fully Paid Overseas Scholarships Scheme.-This Scheme is meant for young and brilliant persons in the age- group, 20-25, who are not in employment. The candidate who was awarded the scholarship for study in Humanities for 1957-58 is still studying abroad.
A provision of Rs. 31,000 has been made in the budget for 1959-60.
Foreign Languages Scholarships Scheme.-No selection was made during 1958-59 as the School was held in abeyance. A provision of Rs. 84,300 has been made in the budget for 1959-60 for the Scheme.
Overseas Scholarships for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.-The work of selection for the twelve scholarships (four each for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes candidates) for 1958-59 was entrusted to the Union Public Service Commission. No selections, however, will be made for 1959-60 because of the difficult foreign exchange position.
The estimated expenditure on this account is included in the provision for the main Scheme of Scholarships for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
Passage Grants to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes Candidates.-During 1958-59, four 'Other Backward Classes' candidates who received foreign scholarships but without passage costs, were granted the cost of tourist class sea passages. Of these one has gone abroad so far. The return passage of one 'Other Backward Classes' student was also sanctioned during the year. It is proposed to continue the Scheme during 1959-60. The estimated expenditure on this account is included in the provision for the main Scheme of Scholarships for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
Programme for Exchange of Scholars between China and India.Three candidates who were sent to China to study Chinese under the programme for 1955-56, are still studying there. The, selections for five scholarships to be awarded for 1958-59 are being made shortly.
A sum of Rs. 2,000 has been provided in the budget for 1959-60 on this account.
Programme for Exchange of Scholars between Czechoslovakia and India.-The cases of the five candidates who were awarded scholarships for 1957-58, have been transferred to the Ministry of Scientific Research & Cultural Affairs.
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Programme for Exchange of Scholars between Iraq and India.Two scholars who were awarded scholarships to study Arabic and Culture have gone to Iraq. The estimated expenditure on the two scholars, excepting expenditure on their passage, (which is covered under the provision made for passage expenses to Indian students awarded scholarships by foreign Governments) will be borne by the Government of Iraq.
Agatha Harrison Fellowship.-This Fellowship, which was instituted in 1956-57 in memory of the late (Miss) Agatha Harrison, envisages the study of Asian problems with special reference to India at St. Anthony's College, Oxford and is of five years' duration. The selected candidate is continuing his work in the College.
A provision of Rs. 10,700 has been made in the budget for 1959-60 for the purpose.
II.Colombo Plan and Point Four Programme Fellowships and
Scholarships Colombo Plan.-The Ministry of Finance '(Department of Economic Affairs) is the coordinating authority for this Scheme. This Ministry is concerned with the training of personnel employed in the Ministry including its attached and subordinate offices and also of those who are employed in the all-India Integrated Schemes coordinated in the Ministry. No candidate was sent for study in Humanities during 1958, nor has any candidate been recommended to the Ministry of Finance for 1959.
The expenditure on scholars under the Colombo Plan is borne by the host countries concerned.
Point Four Programme.-The Government of the United States of America award scholarships/fellowships to Indian nationals for training in that country. The Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) is the coordinating authority for this Scheme also. This Ministry is concerned with the training of personnel employed in the Ministry including its attached and subordinate offices and also of those who are employed in the all-India Integrated Schemes coordinated in the Ministry. No scholarship was awarded for the Humanities during 1958, nor has any candidate been recommended for scholarship in this field to the Ministry of Finance for 1959.
III. United Nations and Unesco Fellowships and Scholarships U.N. Social Welfare Fellowships/Scholarships Programme.-This Programme is designed to train suitably qualified social welfare personnel through observation and study abroad to gain additional
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knowledge and experience in their particular subjects of specialisation. The Government of India or the sponsoring authority has to meet the inland cost, passport, visa and medical examination fees and 50 per cent of the cost of round trip air travel, while the rest of the expenditure is met by the United Nations. Of the five candidates recommended for 1958, three have gone abroad. The final approval of the U.N. for the remaining two candidates is awaited. Applications for five fellowships for 1959 have been invited and the selections are being made.
A provision of Rs. 26,000, including U.N.'s share of Rs, 13,000, has been made in the budget for 1959-60 for defraying travelling expenses under the Scheme.
Unesco Fellowships (a) Fellowships in the field of Production of Reading Material for Neo-Literates.-Of the two candidates selected for 1957-58, the fellowship of one candidate was subsequently cancelled. The remaining candidate is scheduled to commence his study in the summer of 1959.
(b) Unesco Grants for Regional Cultural Studies-Offer of one Fellowship to an Indian National.-The candidate selected for 1957-58 is scheduled to commence his study in February, 1959.
The entire expenditure on these fellowships is 'borne by the Unesco.
IV. Fellowships/Scholarships offered by Foreign Governments The following foreign Governments offered scholarships to Indian nationals during 1958-59 :-
France.-Four scholarships for post-Graduate study/research in Economics, History, and French Language and Literature; the selected candidates have gone abroad.
A similar offer of the four scholarships for studies in Humanities for 1959-60 has been received and is under consideration.
Norway.-One scholarship for post-Graduate study/research, in Statistics (Linner Programming); the selected candidate has gone abroad.
Sweden.-One scholarship for post-Graduate study/research in Political Science; the selected candidate has gone abroad.
In the case of these foreign awards, the Government of India meet passage expenses where not provided Rs. 30,000 has been
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provided in the budget for 1959-60 to meet expenditure on this account.
V. Scholarships offered by Foreign Organisations/Institutions,
etc. The following foreign organisations/institutions offered scholar- ships to Indian nationals during 1958-59 :-
British Council Scholarships.-The Council offered six scholar- ships tenable in the United Kingdom for higher study/research in the English language, teaching of English as a foreign language, Philosophy of History, Problems of the Commonwealth, and for diploma and post-Graduate courses in English. The selected candidates are studying in the United Kingdom. Ten scholarships have been offered by the Council recently. The offer has been accepted for implementation in due course.
Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg Scholarship.-The Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg offered one scholarship for post-Graduate study/research in Indology. The selected candidate is studying' in West Germany.
German Academic Exchange Service Scholarship.-The German Academic Exchange Service offered one scholarship for postGraduate study/research in Indology. The selected candidate is scheduled to commence his study in March, 1959.
The Imperial Relationship Trust Fellowship.-The Fellowship envisages special investigation into current educational problems of the country in the London University Institute of Education, for one academic year. The value of the Fellowship is $ 550 including $ 50 for travel within the United Kingdom and nearby parts of Europe. The cost is shared by the Government of India and the "Trust on a 50 : 50 basis. The selected candidate for 1958-59 is studying at the Institute. The offer of two Fellowships for 1959-60 has been received and is under consideration.
Philippines University Scholarships.-The University offered two scholarships for post-Graduate study of Political Science and journalism. The selected candidates are studying at the University.
Ridgefield Foundation (U.S.A.) Scholarships.-The Foundation has offered four scholarships for post-Graduate study/research in the U.S.A. The offer is under consideration.
The expenditure on these scholarships offered by foreign organi- sations, institutions etc. is borne by the awarding authority or the candidate or the sponsoring authority. A provision of Rs. 4,300
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for meeting the expenditure in the case of London University Institute of Education Fellowships has, however, been made in the budget for 1959-60.
In addition, a proposal for the exchange of five scholars between the U.S.S.R. and India is under consideration.
(B) FOR STUDIES IN INDIA
(i) For Foreign Nationals
1. Government of India Scholarships Schemes French Fellowships Scheme.-Of the total of six French nationals who were awarded these Fellowships for 1957-59, four Fellows are prosecuting their studies in their universities. Another French national has also arrived and he is expected to commence his studies shortly. Admission for the remaining Fellow is being arranged. These French Fellows are also required to teach French in the concerned universities-and to do research in their fields of interest. The expenditure is shared equally by the Government of India and the universities concerned. Applications for six Fellowships for 1959-61 are being invited shortly, through the Indian Embasy in France.
A provision of Rs. 28,300 has been made for this Scheme in the budget for 1959-60.
General Cultural Scholarships Scheme.-Awards under this Scheme are made to students of certain Asian, African and Commonwealth countries and to students of Indian origin domiciled in these countries. Of the total of 123 scholars selected for 1958-59 (excluding cancellations), 117 students have come to India so far and are prosecuting their studies. Selections for 106 scholarships out of the total of 140 for 1959-60 have been made so far and the selection of more candidates is to follow.
A provision of Rs. 16,00,000 has been made in the budget for 1959-60 to meet expenditure on this Scheme.
Indo-German Industrial Cooperation Scheme-Fellowships to German Nationals.-Under this Scheme the Government of India offer, as a reciprocal measure, ten Fellowships to German nationals for study of Indian languages, Religion and Philosophy, etc. in Indian universities. The five German nationals who were awarded Fellowships in the Humanities for 1956-57 are continuing their studies in India. No fresh Fellowships for 1958-59 have been awarded so far.
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A sum of Rs. 49,300 has been provided in the budget for 1959-60 on this account.
Programme for Exchange of Scholars between China and India.Singh Chinese students who came under the Programme for 1955-56, are still studying in India. Three Chinese students who have been selected for studies in the Humanities for 1958-59 will come here as soon as their admissions have been finalised.
A sum of Rs. 9,000 has been provided in the budget for 1959-60 for the purpose.
Programme for Exchange of Scholars between India and Czechoslovakia.-Of the total of five Czech nationals who came under the Programme for 1957-58, three are still studying in India. Another Czech national who has been awarded a scholarship in place of one who has returned owing to ill-health has also arrived and joined his institution of study.
The provision for expenditure on this account is made under the Reciprocal Scholarships Scheme.
Reciprocal Scholarships Scheme.-Four scholars, one each from, Switzerland and Yugoslavia, and two from Austria, of the 1956-57 batch are still continuing their studies in India. Of the total of five scholarships to be awarded for studies in the Humanities for 1958-59, the selection of a Czech national for one scholarship has been made so far.
A provision of Rs. 50,000 has been made in the budget for 1959-60 for this Scheme.
Scholarships to Bhutanese Students.-23 Bhutanese students were awarded scholarships during 1955-56. They continued to study in the Birla Vidyamandir Public School, Nainital. Selections for twelve scholarships for 1958-59 are expected to be made shortly. During 1959-60, it is proposed to award fifteen fresh scholarships.
A sum of Rs. 27,000 has been provided in the budget for 1959-60) for the purpose.
Scholarships to Sikkimese Students.-During 1958-59 16 Sikkimese students were awarded scholarships, ten for school studies and six for degree/diploma courses. They are continuing their studies. During 1959-60, it is proposed to award eighteen fresh scholarships ten for school studies and eight for degree/diploma courses.
A sum of Rs. 45,500 has been provided for 1959-60 to meet this expenditure.
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Scholarships/Fellowships to, South, South-East Asian and other Countries (Colombo Plan).-These Scholarships and Fellowships are for scholars from Commonwealth countries among which are included the countries of South and South-East Asia for this purpose. During 1958- 59, the admission of 32 scholars for studies in the Humanities were arranged. Twenty-six scholars, twenty-five from Nepal and one from the Philippines, have come to India so far and prosecuting their studies.
Budget provision on this account is made by the Ministry of Finance.
II. Scholarships/Fellowships offered by Unesco During 1958, study tour programmes for one national from New Zealand and two each from Sudan and Pakistan were arranged under the auspices of Unesco. The Fellow from New Zealand is working on his study programme while the nationals from Sudan and Pakistan are expected to arrive shortly. All the expenses are borne by Unesco.
(ii) For Indian Nationals Merit Scholarships in Public Schools.-During 1958, sixty-five scholars joined their allotted schools. In all 279 scholars are at present studying under the Scheme. Two main changes, (a) revising the Means Test in order to liberalise it to the advantage of the lower income groups and (b) instituting examination centres in every State, have recently been made in this Scheme. Selections for the 1959 scholarships are being finalised.
A sum of Rs. 5,00,000 has been provided in the budget for 1959-60 for the Scheme.
Post-Matric Merit Scholarships Scheme.-The Scheme provides for the award of 200 scholarships every year on the results of the Matriculation or equivalent examinations. A scholarship once awarded is renewable up to the post-Graduate stage subject to the scholar's satisfactory progress. Selections for 170 scholarships, of the total of 200, for 1958-59 have been finalised so far. All the selected candidates are studying in their institutions. Applications for 200 scholarships for 1959-60 will be invited at the close of the current academic year.