 SCHOLARSHIPS

The scope and coverage of scholarship schemes administered by the Ministry of Education have expanded on an unprecedented scale, over the last few years and particularly since the commencement of the third Five-Year Plan. These schemes are designed for two main purposes : to ensure that able students get a full measure of educational facilities unhampered by financial handicaps, and secondly, to equalise educational opportunities by providing special assistance to students belonging to socially and economically weaker sections of the population. Opportunities for Indian students to go abroad for further study for training and for students from abroad to come to India for the same purpose have been made possible, among other programmes, by bilateral agreements with other countries. An outline along with a brief account of the programmes that have been under operation during the period, is given in this chapter. These have been grouped together under proper sections, according to their nature.

I. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MERITORIOUS STUDENTS INSTITUTED By GOVERNMENT OF INDIA FOR HIGHER STUDIES/RESEARCH IN INDIA

2. Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme.-384 students continued their studies during 1963-64.

3. National Scholarships Scheme for Post-Matric Education.- Instituted in 1961-62, the scheme provides for the award of 2,400 scholarships in each year of the third Plan period. The awards which are subject to a means test, include 1,800 to be given on the results of school-leaving examinations, 400 on the results of PUC/intermediate and 200 on the results of degree examination. 2,322 scholarships for 1963-64 were awarded till the end of January 1964 and the selected candidates were prosecuting their studies; selections for the remaining 78 awards were in the process of being finalised.

4. Scholarships for the Children of Primary and Secondary School Teachers for Post-Matric Studies.-Also instituted in 1961-62, this scheme provides for the award of 500 scholarships each year during the third Plan to meritorious wards of primary and secondary school teachers. All the 500 scholarships for 1963-64 were awarded and the selected candidates were prosecuting their studies.

5. Postgraduate Scholarships in Humanities.-Tenable for a period of two years, 80 scholarships are awarded every year under this scheme, to students who possess either a first or a high second class bachelor's or honours degree. During 1963-64, up to, 31st December, 1963, scholarships of 72 awardees of earlier batches were renewed for 1963-64. Selections for 80 fresh scholarships for 1963-64 were combined with 200 scholarships at postgraduate stage, under the National Scholarships Scheme, to avoid any possible duplication in selections. 43 fresh scholarships under this scheme were awarded till 31st January, 1964 and the selected candidates were prosecuting their studies,

while Selections for the remaining 37 awards were being finalised. Fresh candidates for 1963-64 will be treated under the National Scholarships Scheme.

6. Postgraduate Merit Scholarships in Sciences.-This scheme provides for the award of 150 scholarships every year to students who possess a first class bachelor's degree in science. Normally tenable for one year, the scholarships can be extended for another year subject to the scholar's satisfactory progress in studies. During 1963-64 till 31st December, 1963 scholarships of 121 scholars of earlier batches were renewed for 1963-64. Selections for 150 fresh scholarships for 1963-64 under this scheme were combined, as in the case of `Postgraduate Scholarships in Humanities', with scholarships at postgraduate stage under the National Scholarships Scheme. Out of 150 fresh scholarships, 85 were awarded till 31st January, 1964 and the fresh awardees. were prosecuting their studies. 65 awards were being finalised. It has been decided to treat the 1963-64 awardees as under the National Scholarships Scheme.

7. National Loan Scholarships Scheme for Higher Studies.- Instituted in the year under report, the scheme provides for the award of interest-free loan scholarships to needy and meritorious students to enable them to complete their education. The loan will be recoverable in monthly instalments commencing one year after the loanee secures employment. The scheme extends a special privilege to such of the loanees as join the teaching profession after completing their studies. In their case, one-tenth of the loan would be written off for every year of service put in. 9,600 awards, out of the total provision of 18,000 scholarships for 1963-64 were finalised. A number of State Governments has represented that the condition of eligibility that a candidate should have passed a university examination in the year of award should be relaxed, and the cases of those candidates who have passed the university examination in the years earlier than the year of award should also be considered. The proposal has been under consideration. It was, however, hoped that the full quota of 18,000 awards would be utilised after a decision in the matter had been arrived at.

8. Scholarships in Residential Schools.-Designed to provide opportunities of public school education to those who would not otherwise be in a position to afford it, the scheme has provision for two hundred fresh scholarships each year-70 under the normal budget and 130 under the third Plan. The all-India test for 1963-64 awards was held in December, 1963 and the selections were being finalised. In all, 575 awardees were studying under the scheme at present.

II. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS OF SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY BACKWARD CLASSES FOR POST-MATRICULATION STUDIES

9. The scheme provides for the award of scholarships to the students belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, denotified, nomadic and seminomadic tribes and other economically backward classes for post-matriculation studies in the country. It is administered by the State Governments and the Union Administrations on the principles laid down by the Union Government, with the funds placed at their disposal by the Ministry. For the administration of the scheme in 1963-64, funds amounting to Rs. 2,22,63,000 were placed at the disposal of the State Governments and Union Administrations. From 1963-64 the `economic' criterion of selection has been introduced for the Backward Classes students, as in case of the other categories.

III. SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE CHILDREN OF POLITICAL SUFFERERS

10. Also administered by the State Governments/Union Administrations with Central assistance, the scholarships under this scheme provide, inter alia, the following concessions : (a) special consideration in the matter of admission and award of freeships and half-freeships in all the recognised primary, Basic, middle and high schools; (b) free seats in hostels attached to recognised schools and colleges and (c) a limited number of stipends and book-grants to students from the primary to the postgraduate level. For the administration of the scheme, the Union Government give grants to the State Governments on a 50 : 50 basis, while in the case of Union Administrations, the entire expenditure is met.

IV. SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE TO INDIAN STUDENTS FOR STUDY ABROAD

11. There are a number of programmes offering facilities to Indian students for study abroad. These fall into three broad categories which are described in this section : (A) scholarships, fellowships and passage grants instituted by the Government of India; (B) scholarships and fellowships offered by the U.N. and its allied organisations and under multilaterial programmes; and (C) scholarships and fellowships offered by foreign governments and institutions, etc. The facilities available under bilateral exchange programmes in operation between quite a few foreign governments and the Government of India are described in the last section of this chapter.

A. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA SCHEMES

12. Foreign Languages Scholarships Scheme.-Under this scheme, scholarships are available for specialisation in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Rumanian, Swahili, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Turkish, Persian. Burmese, Indonesian and Pushto languages. In 1963-64, twelve scholars proceeded to other countries for specialised study of a few languages as given below : Burmese-1, Chinese-4, Persian-1, Spanish-2, Swahili-2, and Pushto-2, against the scholarships allotted for 1962-63 and 1963-64.

13. Overseas Scholarships for Socially and Economically Backward Classes.-Under this scheme scholarships for study abroad are available to students belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and other economically backward classes. During 1963-64, forty-four scholarships of the earlier batches continued their studies abroad, while 6 had then to go. Recommendations for 14 scholarships-5 each for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, 1 for denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and 3 for other economically backward classes are awaited from the Union Public Service Commission. Applications for 14 awards for 1964-65 are proposed to be invited shortly.

14. Passage Grants for Socially and Economically Backward Classes.Passage grants are awarded under this scheme to students belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and other economically backward classes. Twelve passage grants-4 each for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, 1 for denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and 3 for other economically backward classes are available every year for such of the above classes candidates as are in receipt of merit scholarships which do not provide passage costs. During 1963-64, four backward classes students were awarded passage grants. Applications for 12 passage grants for 1964-65 will be invited shortly.

15. Union Territories Overseas Scholarships.-One scholarship in Humanities is available every year for a person, who by birth or domicile, is a native of any one of the Union Territories. During 1963-64, three scholars of 1960-61, 1961-62 and 1962-63 continued their studies abroad. A candidate for the 1963-64 award has been selected.

16. Agatha Harrison Fellowship.-Instituted in 1956-57 in memory of the late Miss Agatha Harrison, this fellowship envisages the study of Asian problems with special reference to India at St. Anthony's College, Oxford, and is of five years' duration. The first candidate who was awarded the fellowship completed his work in 1963. The second candidate has been 'Selected and is working in the College.

B. SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS INSTITUTED UNDER THE UNITED NATIONS, UNESCO AND OTHER MULTILATERAL ARRANGEMENTS

U.N. AND UNESCO PROGRAMMES

17. U.N. Social Welfare Scholarships and Fellowships Programme.- One candidate of 1960 selection proceeded abroad during 1963-64. No fresh offer was received from the United Nations during the year.

18. Unesco-Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest Fellowships 1963-64.-The fellowships are awarded for the study in probability theory, mathematical statistics and their application. The three selected candidates proceeded abroad during the year, 1963-64.

COMMONWEALTH EDUCATION COOPERATION PLAN

19. Teacher Training Bursaries offered by U.K. Government-16 candidates of 1963-64 are studying in the U.K. For 1964-65 bursaries, the names of 15 candidates have been recommended to the U.K. Government.

20. Awards for Educational Administrators offered by New Zealand Government, 1963-64.-The approval of New Zealand Government of the three recommended candidates is awaited.

21. Scholarships for Short-Duration Observation Tours offered by New Zealand Government, 1962.-The observation tours envisaged under the scholarships are meant to cover sole-charge schools and multiple system. The approval of the New Zealand Government for the 10 recommended candidates is awaited.

22. Visiting Fellowship offered by the Australian Government, 1962.The selected candidate has returned after completing his studies during the year.

23. Bursary for Writing, Production and Distribution of Textbooks offered by the U.K. Government, 1963-64-The selected candidate proceeded to the U.K. during the year.

24. Bursary for the Course of Training in Home Management and Family Affairs offered by the U.K. Government, 1964-65.-The name of the selected candidate has been recommended to the U.K. Government.

C. SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS/INSTITUTIONS

25. During 1963-64, offers of scholarships and fellowships were received from the Governments of Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Turkey, and from the British Council, the Elin Wagner Foundation, Sweden, the German Academic Exchange Service, West Germany, the Imperial Relations Trust-London University Institute of Education, the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, the Institute for the Study of Economic Development, Naples, Newnham College, Cambridge, St. Catherine's College, Oxford, the Philippines Board of Scholarships for South-East Asia-Philippines Univesity, the Peoples' Friendship University (Patric Lumumba), Moscow, and the Universitaire de Hautes Etudes Institute, Geneva. Offers were also received from 8 foreign governments/institutions, etc. for 1964-65 and were processed.

D. PARTIAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (LOAN) SCHEME

26. This scheme provides for the grant of loans towards passage and other incidental expenditure to such academically distinguished students as have obtained admission in foreign universities or have obtained scholarships, etc. from foreign universities, organisations, etc. but are still in need of some financial assistance. During 1963- 64, loans amounting to Rs. 7,000 were sanctioned to three private students. Specific sums out of the total provision for the scheme are placed at the disposal of the Indian missions in the U.K., the U.S.A. and West Germany to assist Indian students in urgent need of funds. Four students received benefit through emergency loans given by the High Commission, London and the Indian Embassy, Washington.

V. SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE TO FOREIGN

NATIONALS FOR STUDY IN INDIA

27. General Scholarships Scheme.-140 scholarships are awarded to students of certain Asian, African and foreign countries and to students of Indian origin domiciled in those countries for studies in India. In 1963-64, however, the number was reduced to 70 due to national emergency. Against these 70 scholarships, sixty-six students accepted the offer; all have come and are prosecuting their studies in the country. A total of 460 scholars are at present studying under the scheme. Applications for 140 awards for 1964-65 have been invited from the foreign governments to be received here by 15th February, 1964, through the Indian missions abroad.

28. Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Scheme.-Against 50 scholarships and fellowships which were offered to nationals of other Commonwealth countries for 1963-64, twenty-six candidates in all were selected. Of these, 23 accepted the offer. Twenty-two are prosecuting their studies in the country while one has returned due to ill health. In all 46 scholars are at present studying under the scheme. Nominations for 50 awards for 1964-65 have been invited from the various Commonwealth countries, through the Indian missions abroad.

29. Scheme for Training of Craft Instructors from Commonwealth Countries.-Instituted during the year under report, the scheme provides for the award of 10 bursaries every year for the nationals of certain Commonwealth countries for training as craft instructors. Nominations for 10 bursaries for 1963-64 have been received.

30. Short-Term Visits of Senior Educationists from Commonwealth Countries.-Also instituted during the year, the scheme provides for three visiting awards of 3-6 months' duration to educationists and administrators

from other Commonwealth countries every year. For 1963, three educa- tionists, one each from Canada, Malaysia and Tanganyika have been given the awards.

31. Fellowships to West German Nationals.-Fellowships are awarded to German nationals on a reciprocal basis. Of the two fellows who were awarded the fellowships for 1962-63, one has returned after completing his tenure of fellowship, while the other is continuing his studies. Nominations for the remaining 5 awards for 1962-63 are awaited from the West German Government.

32. Reciprocal Scholarships Scheme.-During 1963-64 nine scholars of earlier batches, one each from Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Brazil and Sweden and two each from East Germany and Yugoslavia, continued their studies in India, while five U.S.S.R. nationals returned after completing their studies. Two nationals, one each from East Germany and Czechoslovakia, have yet to come. Against 30 scholarships offered for 1963-64, twelve applications have been received so far. These include one each from Belgium, Brazil and Switzerland, two from Czechoslovakia, three from Denmark and four from Italy.

33. French Fellowships Scheme.-During 1963-64, three French nationals--one of 1959-61 and two of 1962-64 batches-continued their studies in India. The case of one more French national of 1962-64 batch is under consideration. Applications for 1964-66 awards will be invited from the French Government, through the Indian Embassy in France shortly.

34. Scholarships/Fellowships to South, South-East Asian and other Countries (Colombo Plan).-During 1963-64 the Ministry arranged for the admission of 16 Nepali students for studies in Humanities. Of these, 14 students are studying in India and 2 have yet to come. Besides, 35 students of the earlier batches continued their studies during the year.

VI. PROGRAMME FOR EXCHANGE OF SCHOLARS ON BILATERAL BASIS

35. In furtherance of the policy of developing cultural ties, the Government of India have entered into bilateral agreements for exchange of scholars with Rumania, the U.A.R., the U.S.S.R., Ceylon, Yugoslavia and Poland. Brief details of the programmes now in force are given below in the following paragraphs.

36. Exchange of Scholars between India and Rumania.-Two Rumanian students who were awarded scholarships for 1960-61, continued their studies during the year, while the two scholarships for 1963-64 are being processed by the Department of Science.

SCHOLARSHIPS