 SCHOLARSHIPS

The Union Government formulated a number of plans for the grant of scholarships for study in India and abroad. The programme received considerable impetus during the third Five, Year Plan. The Government planned to raise the number of scholarship considerably during the fourth Five Year Plan, but due to paucity of funds as a result of national emergency the number had to be reduced considerably during 1966-67. For example, against 16,000 national scholarships originally proposed to be given in 1966-67 over and above the existing 2,650, it will now be possible to give only 1,150 additional awards. Under the National Loan Scholarships Scheme, it was originally proposed to give during 1966-67 29,600 scholarships over and above the existing number of 26,500 but due to paucity of funds even the existing number had to be reduced to 18,000. It is, however, hoped that the shortfall during 1966-67 will be made good during subsequent years of the fourth Plan.

2. The schemes of scholarships in the fields of education and science are designed to serve the twin purpose, firstly 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. The scholarships schemes in scientific research and technical education are meant to promote development in these fields, to help to improve the standard of teaching and research, and to meet the shortage of trained personnel. Scholarships in the cultural field are awarded for encouraging young persons of outstanding promise in the various activities. To promote cultural relations with other foreign countries and to accelerate progress in education, science, technology and culture, the Government of India also accept, from time to time, offers of scholarships from foreign governments/organisations for Indian nationals on the one hand, and on the other, they give similar scholarships to nationals of foreign countries.

3. The various schemes of scholarships have been classified into five section :

I. Scholarships for Indian Nationals for Study in India,

II. Scholarships for Indian Nationals for Study Abroad,

III. Scholarships for Students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward Classes,

IV. Programmes of Exchange of Scholars, and

V. Scholarships for Foreign Nationals for Study in India.

SECTION I

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIAN NATIONALS FOR STUDY IN INDIA

A. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MERITORIOUS STUDENTS FOR HIGHER STUDIES/RESEARCH

4. National Scholarships Scheme for Post-Matric Education.-The scheme was instituted in 1961-62 with 2,400 scholarships in each year of the Third Plan-1,800 at school leaving stage, 400 at post- intermediate stage and 200 at post-graduate stage. In 1965-66 the number of scholarships, as in the previous year, was 2,650-with 1,820 at school leaving stage, 400 at post-intermediate stage and 430 at post-graduate stage. Some changes have been made in the scheme in 1965-66 for speedier selection of scholars and expeditious payments to them. The quota of each State/Union Territory was worked out on the basis of population and communicated to examining bodies in advance. Entitlement cards were supplied to the examining bodies to enable the scholars to join institutions of their choice anywhere in India with- out payment of admission and other fees. Under the revised payment procedure, an authorised officer in a State/Union Territory draws payment in respect of scholars immediately on receipt of the relevant documents and sends the same to the heads of the concerned institutions who in turn deposit the same in local treasuries and draw on them every month according to need.

5. Scholarships for the Children of Primary and Secondary Schools.Instituted in 1961-62, the scheme provides for the award of 500 scholarships each year during the third Plan to children of primary and secondary school teachers. All the 500 scholarship for 1965-66 have been utilised. The number has been increased to 720 during 1966-67,

6. National Loan Scholarships Scheme.-Instituted in 1963-64, the scheme provides for the award of interest-free loan scholarships to needy students tenable for the completion of the course. Maximum limits of loan vary with the stage of education at which it is given. The; loan is recoverable in monthly instalments commencing one year after the loanee secures employment or three years after the termination of scholarship whichever is earlier, 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. In the, year 1965-66 the minimum percentage of marks for eligibility under the scheme has been reduced from 60 to 50. It is hoped that all the 26,500 awards allotted under the scheme during 1965-66 will be utilised. Due to the paucity of funds the number of awards has been reduced to 18,000 only during 1966-67.

7. Post-Matriculation Scheme.-The scheme has been replaced by the National Scholarships Scheme. The previous 230 students continued their studies during 1965-66.

8. Post-graduate Scholarships in Humanities.-The scheme has been amalgamated with the National Scholarships Scheme with effect from 1963-64 and 80 scholarships per year available under it are being given under the National Scholarships Scheme since that year.

9. Post-graduate Scholarships in Science.-This scheme has been amalgamated with the National Scholarships Scheme from 1963-64 and 150 awards per year available under it are being awarded under the National Scholarships Scheme from that year.

10. Scholarships in Residential Schools.-Designed to provide opportunities of good school education to those who would not otherwise be, in a Position to afford it, the scheme has provision for 200 fresh scholarships each year. The all-India test for 1965-66 awards was held in September, 1965 and the selections have been finalised. In all 690 students are studying under the scheme at present. The number of awards during 1966-67 remains 200.

B. SCHOLARSHIPS TO YOUNG WORKERS IN DIFFERENT CULTURAL FIELDS

11. Designed to provide opportunity to talented young persons of outstanding promise for advanced training in Hindustani music (vocal and instrumental), Karnatak music (vocal and instrumental), classical Western music, Rabindra Sangeet, Folk song, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Folk dance, Drama and Fine arts, (Painting and Sculpture), 50 fresh scholarships are awarded every year. Due to emergency, the number has been reduced from 50 to 25 for 1965-66 and the same number will be continued during 1966-67. The normal duration of the scholarship is 2 years with a provision for extension by 1 or more years in exceptional cases. The value of each scholarship is Rs. 250 p.m.

C. SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN OF POLITICAL SUFFERERS

12. Administered by the State Governments and Union Administrations with Central assistance, facilities under the scheme provide, inter alia, the following concessions to children of political sufferers : (a) special consideration in the matter of admission and award of freeships and half-freeships in all recognised primary, Basic, middle and high/higher secondary 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 primary to post-graduate level. For the administration of the scheme, the Union Government give grants to State Governments on 50 : 50 basis, while, in the case of Union Administrations the entire expenditure is met by the Centre.

D. SCHEME OF SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS FROM NON-HINDI SPEAKING STATES FOR POST-MATRIC STUDIES IN HINDI

13. The scheme was instituted in 1955-56 to expand study of Hindi in non-Hindi speaking States and to make available to them trained personnel for the teaching of Hindi and for other posts where knowledge of Hindi was required. The number of awards, which was 10 in 1955-56, has been increasing every year. During 1965-66, 1,000 scholarships have been given. The number of fresh awards has been reduced to 500 during 1966-67.

E. AWARD OF RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS TO THE PRODUCTS OF TRADITIONAL SANSKRIT PATHSALAS

14. Forty scholars of previous years continued their studies under the scheme. In addition, 37 fresh scholars have been selected for the award of scholarships during the year 1965-66.

15. Award of Merit Scholarships to Students Studying Sanskrit in High/ Higher Secondary Schools.-About 1,000 merit scholarships are awarded through State Governments each, year. The value of each scholarship is Rs. 10 per month. About Rs. 2.97 lakh were paid to State Governments/ Union Administrations for payment of scholarships to selected students under this scheme.

F. FELLOWSHIPS/GRANTS OFFERED BY SURVEYS AND C.S.I.R.

16. Survey

16.1. Anthropological Survey of India.-Ten Senior Fellowships tenable for two years @ Rs. 400 per month with a maximum amount of Rs. 1,000 per annum for contingent expenditure and on travelling are available for the study of subjects relating to Anthropology. Ten Junior Fellowships tenable for two years @ Rs. 250 per month with a maximum amount of Rs. 1,000 per annum for contingent expenditure and on travelling are also available for the same purpose.

16.2. Botanical Survey of India.-Fellowships and scholarships for conducting research and surveys in botany are available. Under the scheme, two fellowships @ Rs. 400 p.m. and eight scholarships @ Rs. 250 p.m., each tenable for three years, are given each year.

16.3. Zoological Survey of India.-Fellowships and scholarships for conducting research and surveys in Zoology are available. Under the scheme two fellowships tenable for 3 years @ Rs. 400 p.m. and ten scholarships. tenable for 1 year @ Rs. 250 p.m. are given each year.

17. C.S.I.R.

17.1. Fellowships.-With a view to help in maintaining an adequate supply of talented young people with post-graduate training in science and

technology, the C.S.I.R. instituted in 1958 a scheme of, granting senior and junior fellowships tenable both at the National Laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the universities and other academic institutions throughout the country. At present, 379 senior and 1074 junior research fellows are working at the universities, national laboratories, and other research organisations. These include seven senior and two junior research fellowships for the Indian Languages, Science Reporter and Survey and Planning Units of the Council.

18. Six candidates sponsored by different oil companies have been awarded scholarships for study of different courses in technical institutes/ universities in the U.K. These scholarships are tenable for a period of two years initially with possibility of extension for another year on the recommendation of the guide. The scheme for the award of Stanvac Scholarships tenable in the U.S.A. has since been discontinued.

G. FELLOWSHIPS/SCHOLARSHIPS AND STIPENDS FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND/PRACTICAL TRAINING

19. Practical Training.-Since technical education is not completed without properly organised training, the Union Ministry of Education in close co-operation with industry and other establishments has organised practical training for a large number of students passing out of the technical institutions with a view to prepare them for gainful employment. Accordingly, the Ministry has instituted a Practical Training Stipend Scheme. Under this scheme, the senior stipend has been enhanced from Rs. 150 p.m. to Rs. 250 p.m. This stipend is meant for graduates in engineering undergoing practical training. The junior stipends, which are meant for the diploma holders, have also been enhanced from Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 p.m. During 1965-66, arrangements have been made for 725 graduates and 1006 diploma holders for training in industry.

19.1. According to the present Mining, Regulations, it is necessary that mining engineering graduates and diploma holders undergo a practical training in mines. A Directorate of Practical Training in Mining has therefore been functioning at Dhanbad. It is hoped that the Directorate would be. able to arrange practical training for 1000 graduates and diploma holders during 1965-66.

20. Merit-cum-Means Scholarships.-During 1965-66, 1850 scholar- ships at the degree level and 1750 at the diploma level have been instituted to students in indigent circumstances. It is proposed to strengthen the scheme during the fourth Plan. Under this scheme, a scholarship of Rs. 75 p.m. is paid to students prosecuting degree course and Rs. 50 for diploma course.

21. Research Training Scholarships and Research Fellowships Scheme.Under the Research Training Scholarships Scheme, which aims to promote scientific and industrial research in the universities and other institutions and

train research workers, 900 scholars are working at different centres. A scholarship of Rs. 250 p.m. is given to the scholars and these scholarships are tenable for a period of 3-4 years.

21.1. To encourage brilliant, young scholars to do research in science at the highest level, research fellowships of Rs. 400 p.m. for a period of 3-5 years are awarded to Doctorate degree holders. Eight post-doctoral research fellows are at present working under this scheme.

22. Scholarships to Cadets from Union Territories at the Rashtriya Indian Military College.-Under this scheme, two scholarships are awarded to cadets belonging to Union Territories studying at the Rashtriya Indian Military College Dehra Dun. It has now been decided to discontinue this scheme with effect from the term commencing from August, 1965. The payment of scholarships will, however, be continued in respect of those cadets who had already been granted scholarships under this scheme till they complete their study in the College.

SECTION II

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIAN NATIONALS FOR STUDY ABROAD

A. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA SCHEME

23. Foreign Languages Scholarships Scheme.-Under the scheme, scholarships have been given for specialisation in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Rumanian, Swahili, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Turkish, Persian, Burmese, Indonesian and Pushto languages. The question of continuance of the scheme beyond 1964-65 is under consideration. No selections were made during the year 1965-66.

24. Union Territories Overseas Scholarships.-Five scholarships under the scheme are offered annually to persons who by birth and/or domicile are residents of the Union Territories. These scholarships are for a duration of up to 3 years and are tenable in a country where adequate facilities in the subject of study/training/research exist. Of the 5 scholars selected in 1964-65, one has left for the U.S.A. and another has declined the offer. The admission of the remaining 3 candidates is being finalised. Due to tight foreign exchange position the scheme will be in abeyance in 1965-66 and 1966-67.

25. Partial Financial Assistance Scheme.-This scheme provides for the grant of loans toward's passage and other incidental expenses to such academically distinguished students, as have obtained admission in foreign universities, organisations etc., for subject for which adequate facilities are not, available in India, but are still in need of some financial assistance. During 1965-66, regular loans have been sanctioned to 42 students. Specific sums out of the total provision for the scheme am placed at the disposal of the Indian Missions in the U.K., the U.S.A. and West Germany to assist

Indian student there in urgent need of funds. Fifty four students were benefited through emergency loans given by the Indian Mission during 1965-66.

B. COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIP PLAN AND COM- MONWEALTH EDUCATION COOPERATION SCHEME

26. The Commonwealth Education Conference held in July,1959 recommended a number of measures to enrich countries of the Commonwealth by enabling an increasing number of its able citizens to share the wide range of educational resources available throughout the Commonwealth and thus promote equality of educational opportunities at the higher level. The Plan which aims at achieving the objective has been in operation for the last 6 years and during the year under report scholarships have been offered to India by the following countries :

26.1. Australia.-Five nominations had been made for the awards to be made in 1966. The Australian authorities have not yet finalised the selection. Five nominations have been invited for the 1967-68 scholarships.

26.2. Canada.-Out of the 12 candidates nominated for the scholarships offered by the Government of Canada for 1965-66. 8 were finally selected and they left for Canada. Forty candidates have been nominated for about 20 awards for 1966-67.

26.3. Ceylon.-Out of 3 candidates nominated to the Government of Ceylon only one candidate has been selected for 1965 awards. The Government of Ceylon has invited 3 nomination for 1966.

26.4. Ghana.-The two candidates nominated for the 1965 awards have been finally selected. Two nominations have been invited for 1966 awards.

26.5. Hongkong.-The Government of Hongkong did not select the candidate nominated for 1965 awards offered by them.

26.6. Jamaica.-The Government of Jamaica have not yet intimated their decision on the two nominations made for 1965 awards. Two nomi- nations have been invited for 1966 awards.

26.7. Newzealand.-The Government of Newzealand have not so far intimated their final decision on the 5 candidates nominated for 1966 awards. Five nominations have been invited for 1967 awards.

26.8. Nigeria.-One candidate has been selected for 1965 awards against 2 nominations made. Two nominations have been invited for 1966 awards.