SCHOLARSHIPS
 

13.1.0 National and External Scholarship Division of the Department of Education administer a number of scholarship/fellowship programmes meant for Indian students, for further studies/research in different universities/institutions in India and abroad. These include programmes sponsored by the Government of India and those offered by foreign countries. Major programmes under which scholarships/fellowships were awarded during 1996-97 are the following.

National Scholarship Scheme

13.2.1 Under this scheme, scholarships are awarded for post-matric studies on merit-cum-means basis. The rates of scholarships vary from Rs.60/-p.m. to Rs. 120/- p.m. for day scholars and Rs. 100/- to Rs.300/- p.m. for hostellers, depending on the course of study. The income ceiling of the parents for eligibility of scholarship is Rs.25,000/-per annum.

Scholarships to Students from Non-Hindi Speaking States for Post-Matric studies in Hindi

13.2.2 The scheme was started in 1955-56, with the objective to encourage study of Hindi in Non-Hindi Speaking States/Union Territories and to make available suitable personnel to man teaching and other posts where knowledge of Hindi is essential. The rates of Scholarships vary from Rs.50/- to Rs. 125/- per month, depending upon the course of study. Rs.25 lakhs under non-plan has been provided for this scheme for the financial year 1996-97.

Scheme of National Scholarships at Secondary Stage for Talented Children from Rural Areas

13.2.3 This Scheme has been in operation since 1971-72. The aim of the scheme is to achieve greater equalization of educational opportunities and to provide a fillip to the development of potential talents from rural areas by educating them in good schools. The scheme is being implemented through State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, The distribution of Scholarships is made on the basis of Community Development Blocks in each States/Union Territories. The Scholarships are awarded at the end of the middle school stage (Class VI/VIII) and continue upto the secondary stage including +2 stage. The selection of the students is made by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations with the help of the NCERT/SCERTs. The rate of scholarships varies from Rs. 30/- to Rs.100/- per month depending upon the course of study.

193

Scholarships/Fellowships offered by Foreign Governments under Cultural Exchange Programmes

13.2.4 Under the Cultural Exchange Programmes, the scholarships are given to Indian students by the donor countries for higher studies in the respective countries. The awards of scholarships for post graduate studies leading to Ph. D and post Doctoral Research in the fields of Basic Sciences (Pure and Applied), Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences are made available by various foreign governments and agencies. 51 Scholars have been sent to China, Japan, Germany, Mexico, France, Italy, Israel, Ireland and Belgium till January, 1997.

Commonwealth Scholarship/Fellowship Schemes offered by Government of U.K., Canada, etc.,

13.3.0 Under this Scholarship programme, scholarships/fellowships are awarded to Indian Nationals for higher studies/research/training in U.K., Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are prestigious ones and are very beneficial to the country as well as educational and professional development of the beneficiaries. The scholarships are made available for studies in about 25 disciplines including medicine. 33 scholarships have been utilised till January 1997.

British Council Visitorship Programmes

13.3.2 Under this Programme, 111 Scientists, Academicians and Medical Specialists have been benefited till January, 1997 for mutual appreciation of important developments in their areas of specialisation.

Confederation of British Industry Overseas Scholarship Scheme

13.3.3 Under this scheme, the Confederation of British Industry, London offers scholarships to Indian nationals for advance professional training in the subject fields of Engineering and Technology. The Indian Nationals, who are working in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science & Bio Medical Engineering Industries, particularly from those who have collaborative agreement with U.K. firms, are eligible for these scholarships. Two scholarships have been utilized as on 29th January, 1997 against the offer.

Australian Development Co-operation Scholarship

13.3.4 The Government of Australia offers scholarships to Indian nationals on merit basis for post graduate and higher studies/research leading to a Doctoral Degree in the subject fields of Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences. 25 scholarships have been utilised upto January, 1997.

194