CHAPTER IV SCHOLARSHIPS
The Ministry of Education & Social Welfare operates several programmes of scholarships which fall broadly into the following categories :
A. Scholarships for Indian students for study in India which include the National Scholarships Scheme, the National Loan Scholarships Scheme, National Scholarships for children of primary and secondary school teachers, Scholarships at the secondary stage for talented students from areas. Scholarships to students from non-Hindi speaking States for post-Matric studies in Hindi, scholarships and other educational facilities to the children of political sufferers and scholarships in approved residential schools;
B. Scholarships for Indian students for study abroad which include the partial financial assistance (loan) scheme, National Scholarships for Study Abroad, Scholarships under the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan, and Scholarships offered by Foreign Governments, Organisations and Institutions;
C. Scholarships for foreign students to study in India which include the General Cultural Scholarships Scheme; Fellowships/- Scholarships for nationals of Bangladesh, Scholarships/Fellowships under the Commonwealth Education Cooperation Plan, Colombo Plan, and Special Commonwealth African Assistance Plan, the Reciprocal Scholarships Scheme and Scholarships under the Indo-Foreign Cultural Exchange Programme.
A. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIAN STUDENTS FOR STUDY IN INDIA A brief account of the scholarships in operation at present for Indian students for study in India is given in the following paragraphs.
(i) National Scholarships Scheme.-The objective of the Scheme is to assist poor but meritorious students in pursuing their academic career. The scheme which was started in 1961 was continued during 1973-74 also and 12,000 fresh awards were sanctioned during this year. In 1974-75 fifteen thousand fresh awards are proposed to be awarded.
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(ii) National Loan Scholarships Scheme.-This scheme enables the talented but economically weaker students to complete, their education. For reasons, of economy in 1973-74 the number of fresh awards sanctioned under this scheme was 10,000 as against 20,000 awarded in earlier years. The cut on the number of fresh scholarships is proposed to be restored during 1974-75 and consequently 20,000 fresh awards are proposed to be awarded during the year,
(iii) Scheme of National Scholarships to the Children of Primary and Secondary School Teachers.-This scheme was started in 1961 in recognition of the services rendered by school teachers to enable their meritorious children to pursue higher education. Under this scheme 500 fresh awards were allocated in 1973-74 and the same number is proposed to be awarded in 1974-75.
(iv) Scheme of Scholarships at the Secondary stage for talented students from rural areas.-The objective of this scheme is to achieve greater equalisation of educational opportunities and to provide a fillip to the development of rural talent and thereby to promote national integration. During 1973-74 scholarships were distributed amongst States/Union Territories at the rate of 2 scholarships for each Community Development Block. The same number is proposed to be continued during the year 1974-75.
(v) Scholarships to students from non-Hindi speaking States for post-matric studies in Hindi.-The main object of the Scheme is to encourage the study of Hindi in non-Hindi speaking States. During 1973-74, 1850 awards were allocated under this Scheme. During 1974- 75, 2000 awards are proposed to be allocated.
(vi) Scholarships and other educational facilities to the chil- dren of political sufferers.-The objective of the Scheme is to provide assistance to the political sufferers and their children and dependents in the lower income group in the field of education. The Central Government shares 50% of the expenditure incurred by the State Governments subject to a maximum ceiling fixed for each State. Under the scheme, educational concessions are given for study from the primary stage to the post-graduate level in the form of limited stipends, special consideration in admission, half and full fee studentship and book grants. The scheme has been decentralised with effect from 1st April 1974 and will be implemented by the State Governments themselves, without any assistance from the Centre from that date.
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(vii) Government of India Scheme of Scholarships in approved residential secondary schools.-The objective of the scheme is to help talented children whose parents have a low income, who are otherwise unable to avail themselves of the opportunity of reading in public schools. Under this Scheme, 500 scholarships were \awarded during 1973-74 and the same number of scholarships is proposed to be awarded every year during tht Fifth Five Year Plan period. The average annual expenditure per scholar comes to about Rs. 3,000.
B. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIAN STUDENTS FOR STUDY ABROAD A brief account of the scholarships in operation at present for Indian students for study abroad is given in the following paragraphs :
(i) Partial Financial Assistance (Loan) Scheme.-The scheme provides for the grant of loan towards passage to such academically distinguished students as have obtained admission to foreign uni- versities, organisations etc. for study in subject-fields for which adequate facilities do not exist in India. Emergency loans to bonafide Indian students are also given by our Missions in the USA, the U.K. and West Germany. During 1973-74 such Mans have been granted to 15 students.
(ii) National Scholarships for Study Abroad.-This scheme was instituted in 1971-72 and provides financal assistance to meritorious students who are citizens of India and who do not have the means to go abroad for further studies. The scholarships are available for post- graduate studies. However, applications are also entertained from qualified students for courses leading to the First Degree. The number of scholarships awarded under this scheme every year is 50. The Scholarships cover maintenance allowance, cost of books and equipment, passage money and equipment allowance before departure.
(iii) Scholarships under Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan.-This programme includes scholarships and fellowships in the following countries
(1) Australia.-Two candidates left for Australia in 1973. The Government of Australia have invited 4 nominations for 1975 awards.
(2) Canada.-Eighteen candidates, proceeded to Canada against an offer of 40 nominations for, 1973. Nominations for Commonwealth Scholarships offered by the Government of Canada for 1974 have been made.
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(3) New Zealand.-One candidate left for New Zealand in 1973. The Government of New Zealand have invited 2 nominations for 1975 awards under the scheme.
(4) United Kingdom.-Against an offer of 67 nominations asked by the Government of the United Kingdom for 1973, 37 candidates have proceeded to the U.K. Nominations for 1974 awards have been made. 5 candidates nominated under Commonwealth Education Fellowships against 1972 short-term award have proceeded to the U.K. 32 candidates have proceeded to the U.K. against an offer of 35 awards for 1973 of one year's duration. Against an offer of 30 for 1974 (one-year awards), 35 candidates have been nominated.
(iv) Scholarships offered by foreign Governments, Organisations or institutions.-This programme includes scholarships offered by the following countries :-
(1) Union Arab Republic of Egypt (UAR).-An offer of five scholarships from the Arab Republic of Egypt was received for 1973-74. The offer, however, could not be utilised due to non-availability of the complete details.
(2) Austria.-The Austrian Government offered an unspecified number of scholarships for 1973-74 in different subject-fields. 21 names were recommended to the Austrian authorities who granted scholarships to 4 candidates who have left for Austria.
(3) Czechoslovakia.-The Government of Czechoslovakia made an offer of 5 scholarships for postgraduate studies in Czechoslovakia for the year 1973-74 but no nomination could be made due to shortage of time. The nomination of one candidate who is already studying in Czechoslovakia has been approved against an unutilized scholarship under the Cultural Exchange Programme, 1972-74. Under the same programme, nomination of one more candidate has been approved.
(4) Denmark.-Against an offer of 7-8 nominations for scholarships for postgraduate studies in Denmark for 1973-74, 9 candidates were nominated and the donor country has finally selected 6 candidates. Out of these, 2 candidates left for Denmark and others are scheduled to leave, for Denmark in the beginning of 1974. Besides 2 more candidates also, left for Denmark during 1973 who were nominated against 1972-73 offer. One candidate left for Denmark for research in Adult Education.
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(5) France.-The Government of France offered 45 scholarships for Higher Studies in various subjects like Engineering, Technology, Science and Humanities during 1973-74. The Government of India nominated 42 candidates. Of these 19 have already left and 15 are to leave during 1974-75.
The Government of France offered 25 scholarships for specialised training in the subjects of Science and Technology and Humanities during 1973-74. The Government of India recommended 18 candidates. All these candidates will leave for France during 1974-75.
The Government of France offered 1 scholarship for Indian nationals in the field of Hoteliery during 1973-74. The selected candidate will go during 1974-75.
The Government of France offered some scholarships for specialised training in Agricultural utilisation of waters during 1973-74. The Government of India recommended 4 candidates. Final approval in respect of these candidates is awaited.
The Government of France have offered 20 scholarships for Indian nationals in various subjects for higher studies in France during 1974-75. The offer has been accepted and applications are being invited through press advertisement.
The Government of France have offered 2 fellowships for Indian Professors of French during 1974-75. The offer has been accepted and applications are being invited through Press advertisement.
(6) Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany).-Six candidates proceeded to West Germany under the German Academic Exchange Service 1973 awards. 9 candidates have been nominated under the German Academic Exchange Service offer for 1974.
Three candidates selected under Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation Fellowships 1973 have already proceeded to West Germany.
(7) Finland : An offer of 6 scholarships received from Finnish Government is still under process.
(8) German Democratic Republic (East Germany) : Seven coaches have availed themselves of the scholarships for training of coaches during the year 1973-74.
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The German Democratic Republic authorities have recommended and approved the final selection of 8 post-graduate fellowships. The Candidates are to leave in February, 1974.
(9) Hungary : Approval in respect of 6 nominations made under Hungarian Government Scholarships, by this Ministry is still awaited from the Hungarian authorities.
(10) Italy : The Government of Italy offered I scholarship in Geothermics for an Indian national during 1973-74. The selected candidate will be going to Italy in January, 1974.
The Government of Italy offered one scholarship for an Indian national in Hydrology. The selected candidate will leave for Italy during January, 1974.
(11) Japan : Against an offer of 6 Japanese Government Scholarships, 1973-74, 6 candidates were selected and they left for Japan during 1973. Against an offer of 8 scholarships, 7 candidates have been nominated to the Japanese Government for 1974-75.
Two candidates have been offered Japan Foundation Fellowships for 1973-74 who are shortly to leave for Japan. Four candidates have been nominated for 1974-75 to the Japanese Government for final approval.
(12) Netherlands : Against an offer of an unspecified number of Netherlands Government Fellowships for 1973-74, 32 candidates were finally selected and most of them left during the year. Under the Reciprocal Programme, against an offer of 4 fellowships, two candidates were approved but only one left for the Netherlands. Eight candidates were nominated to the Dutch authorities against an offer of an unspecified number of Netherlands Government Fellowships for 1974- 75. Final approval of the Dutch Government is awaited. Under the Reciprocal programme the Netherlands Government offered 4 fellowships which are being processed.
(13) Norway : Against an offer of an unspecified number of fellowships for 1973-74, 8 scholars were selected. Out of these 7 left for Norway. One has declined the offer during the year 1973-74.
(14) Poland : Three candidates have been selected for the award of Polish Government scholarships for 1973-74 under the subject field of Town and Country Planning. The Selected candidates are to leave by January, 1974.
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(15) Saudi Arabia : An offer of 4 scholarships from the Saudi Arabian Government for 1973-74 has been received and the offer is being processed.
(16) Sweden : Two scholars have left for Sweden to participate in the International Seminar in Physics. at the University of Uppsala, during the year 1973-74.
(17) Turkey : The candidate selected under the 1972-73 scholarships, left for study during 1973.
(18) U.S.S.R. : Under the Indo-Soviet Cultural Exchange Programme, 1973-74 the Soviet Government offered 65 scholarships for the IIT, Bombay and 5 scholarships for the Centre of Russian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Seventy-five candidates were nominated, under the above scheme, out of whom the Soviet authorities have so far approved 40 candidates. Of these 30 have already proceeded to the U.S.S.R. In addition, nomination has been made in respect of 14 more candidates who are already in the USSR, against the unutilised scholarships for 1973-74. This includes 9 children of the Indian Embassy Staff in Moscow. Approval of the Soviet authorities is awaited in this respect.
The Soviet Women's Committee offered 10 scholarships to the National Federation of Indian Women during 1973-74. All the 8 candidates recommended by the National Federation of Indian Women under the scheme were approved by the Soviet authorities. Six scholars (5 for pedagogical studies and one for postgraduate medical studies), have proceeded to Moscow under this scheme.
Against an offer of 20 scholarships of Peoples' Friendship University, Moscow, approval of 18 candidates was received from the University authorities. Sixteen candidates have finally availed themselves of the scholarships.
(19) United Kingdom : Besides those offered under the Com- monwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, a number of asso- ciations/organisations offred scholarships/fellowships to Indian nationals. Two candidate's left for the U.K. against an offer of two Imperial Relation Trust Fellowships for 1973. An offer of two fellowships for 1974 has also been received and candidates will be nominated shortly. Twelve scholars left for studies in the U.K. against an offer of, 10 British Council Scholarships for 1973-74. An offer of 10 scholarships has been received for the year 1974-75. Selection will be completed shortly.
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Confederation of British Industry authorities have selected two candidates so far against the nomination of 8 candidates for 1973-74. An offer of 4 scholarships for the year 1974-75 has been received and selections will be made shortly. One post-doctoral candidate selected for Nehru Memorial Trust (1973) is to leave for the U. K. in January' 1974. One candidate proceeded to the U. K. in 1973 under Science Research and Rutherford scholarships.
(20) Yugoslavia : An offer of three Scholarships under the programme of Exchange of Scholars between India and Yugoslavia, 1973- 74, has been received and is being processed.
C. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS FOR STUDY IN INDIA A brief account of the scholarships and fellowships in operation at present for foreign students to study in India is given in the following paragraphs :
(i) General Cultural Scholarships Scheme: Under the scheme, 180 scholarships were awarded to the nationals of 53 countries of Asia and Africa for Post-Matriculation studies in India during 1973-74. Scholarships have been awarded for studies in Arts and Humanities, Agriculture, Engineering and Technology, Medicine, Pharmacy etc. It is proposed to award the same number of scholar-ships during 1974-75,
(ii) Fellowships/Scholarships for Nationals of Bangladesh : As a part of their assistance to the Government of Bangladesh, the Government of India decided that among other things facilities may be offered to the students of Bangladesh for study of certain specialised subjects in India. For this purpose, the Scheme was implemented from 1972-73. During 1973-74, 100 scholarships were offered to the Government of Bangladesh for study and research in India in the subjects of Medicine, Engineering and Constitutional Affairs, Fine Arts etc. It is proposed to award the same number of scholarships during 1974-75. The requirements for this scheme have been estimated at Rs. 13.10 lakhs during 1973-74 and 13.14 lakhs during 1974-75. The expenditure is being met out of the budget provision of the Ministry of External Affairs.
(iii) Special English course for Foreign Students.: A special English course was conducted at the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages, Hyderabad, for foreign students selected
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for the award of scholarships under the General Cultural Scholarships Scheme, 1973-74 from March to June, 1973 in order to enable them to understand the medium of instruction while joining the regular courses in June/July, 1973 at the Indian Universities and Colleges.
(iv) Commonwealth Scholarships/Fellowships Plan-Indian Awards :
(a) Under the Commonwealth Scholarships/Fellowships Plan, the Government of India have been offering, since 1961-62, 45 Scholarships and 5 fellowships to all the Commonwealth countries. During the year, 50 awards were made, out of which 35 have availed themselves of the offers. At present 68 scholars from different Commonwealth countries including those who were awarded scholarships in earlier years are studying in India in the various Universities/Institutions. For 1974- 75, 45 scholarships and 5 fellowships have been offered to all the Commonwealth Countries.
(b) Bursaries for Training of Craft Instructors : Usually 10 bursaries are offered each year for the training of Craft Instructors for various Commonwealth countries. During 1973-1974, 4 trainees (33 from Sri Lanka & 1 from Tanzania) were undergoing training at the Central Training Institute for Instructor at Madras and Bombay. These bursaries are of one year's duration.