 THE DEMOCRATISATION OF
 EDUCATION--SCHOLARSHIPS

To encourage and promote education and to democratise educational opportunities, the Government of India have introduced scholarships on a large scale at all stages of education. These scholarships are awarded to students on merit as also to students belonging to those communities who, for one reason or another, have remained educationally and socially backward.

(A) FOR STUDIES ABROAD

I. Government of India Scholarships Schemes

Central Overseas Scholarships Scheme.

-This scheme, which aims at raising the standard of instruction and research in the coun- try, is meant for teachers of colleges, universities and certain comparable institutions of Higher education. Of the 25 candidates selected for 1956-57, this scholarship of one candidate has been cancelled. Eighteen candidates have gone abroad so far, while the remaining six will leave as soon as their admissions and/or passages have been finalised.

The number of scholarships under the scheme has been raised from 25 to 35 with effect from the year 1957-58, and the selections also have been made. Applications for 35 scholarships for 1958-59 have been invited by 31st July, 1957.

A sum of Rs. 3,77,500 has been provided in the budget estimates for 1957-58 to meet expenditure on this scheme.

Central States Scholarships Scheme.

-The Central States Scholarships Scheme is open only to persons who by birth or domicile are natives of the six Union Territories of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, . Andaman and Nicobar, Islands and Laccadivi, Mini- coy and the Aminidivi Islands. Of the five candidates selected for 1956-57 four have gone abroad so far, while the remaining candidate is expected to leave shortly. Candidates for 1957-58 also have been selected.

A sum of Rs. 1,47,600 has been provided for on this account for 1957-58.

Foreign Languages Scholarships Scheme.

-The scheme of awarding 30 scholarships for specialisation in Arabic, Persian, Japa- nese, Chinese, Turkish, Russian, French, German, Spanish and Italian was continued during 1956-57.

Of the selected candidates, 22 (three each for Japanese, French, German, Persian, Russian and Spanish and two each for Chinese and Italian) have gone abroad so far. The remaining candidates are expected to leave shortly.

The question of continuing the scheme is under consideration. A provision of Rs.. 3,76,000 has been made in the budget estimates for 1957-58.

Indo-German Industrial Cooperation Scheme.

-For 1956-57 the Government of West Germany offered facilities for 50 Indian nationals for post-graduate study and 80 for practical training. The selections for the 25 scholarships and 25 freeships for post-graduate study and 37 places for practical training have been finalised. The selections for the nine places are expected to be finalised shortly, while those for the remaining 34 places will be made on receipt of their details from the Indian Embassy, Bonn.

A provision of Rs. 3,62,800 has been made in the budget estimates for 1957-58.

Overseas Scholarships Scheme for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

-Twelve candidates (four each of the three groups of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) were awarded Overseas Scholarships for advanced study abroad during 1956-57, on the recommendation of the Union Public Service Commission. Nine of these candidates have already gone abroad. The scholarships of two were cancelled as they declined the awards. The selections for the 12 scholarships for 1957-58 are ex- pected to be finalised shortly.

The estimated expenditure on this item is included in the pro- vision for the main scheme.

Programme for Exchange of Scholars between China and India.

A programme for the exchange of students between India and China was started in the year 1955-56. Out of the seven candidates selected, five are studying in China. Of the remaining two the scholarships of one has been cancelled, while that of the other has been postponed.

The expenditure on this account will be met from the total pro- vision for cultural activities.

Agatha Harrison Fellowship.

-This Fellowship has been instituted with effect from the year 1956-57 as a memorial to the late Miss Agatha Harrison. The Fellowship envisages the study of Asian problems with special reference to India at St. Anthony's College, Oxford, and is of the duration of five years. The selected candidate is working at this College.

A budget provision of Rs. 10,700 has been made for 1957-58.

Twenty Fully-paid Overseas Scholarships Scheme.

-A scheme for the award of 20 fully-paid Overseas Scholarships has been insti- tuted with effect from the year 1956-57. The main objectives of the scheme are to meet the shortage of trained personnel to man the devel- opment schemes of the Government, universities and comparable institu- tions of Higher education, etc. and to improve standards of teaching and research in the universities, comparable institutions of Higher education and colleges.

The recommendations of the Union Public Service Commission for the first batch of 20 scholars to be sent during 1957-58 have been received.

A provision of Rs. 1,00,000 has been made in the budget estimates for 1957-58 for this scheme.

Partial Financial Assistance to Indian Scientists Going Abroad.

Under this scheme the Government of India give partial financial assistance to eminent Indian scientists who wish to go abroad at their own expense to visit well-known centres of research and study for the latest development in their special subjects of research and training. Four candidates have been selected for 1956- 57.

The scheme will be continued during 1957-58, for which a budget provision of Rs. 15,000 has been made.

Passage Grants to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes Candidates.

-During 1956-57, four Other Backward Classes candidates who received foreign scholarships that did not carry a travel grant, were allowed free tourist class sea passage abroad. Free return passage was also allowed to one Scheduled Caste student who had originally gone abroad by receiving a grant for the purpose.

It is proposed to continue the scheme during 1957-58. The expenditure on this account is included in the provision for the main scheme.

In addition to the schemes mentioned above, proposals for exchange of Indian scholars with Czechoslovakia, Iraq, Poland and the U.S.R. are under consideration.

II. Colombo Plan and Point Four Programme, of Scholarships and Fellowships

Colombo Plan.

-The purpose of the scholarships/fellowships under the Colombo Plan is to assist the fellow members of the Common- wealth by providing them with technical experience. The Ministry of Finance is the coordinating authority for this scheme. The Ministry of Education and Scientific Research is responsible only for the selection of teachers from universities, colleges and certain compara- ble institutions of Higher education and of educational administra- tors. Out of the 27 candidates who were approved for 1955, 22 have gone abroad so far and of these two have returned after completing their. studies. Placements of the remaining nine are awaited. For 1957, out of 32 candidates (excluding two cancellations) 20 have been approved by the Technical Assistance Selection Committee.

An ad hoc offer for the training of three Indians in Audio-Visual Aids in Australia during 1957 has also been received and the selections have been made.

The expenditure (excluding the local cost which is met by the sponsoring authority) is borne by the host countries.

Point Four Programme.

-Under this scheme the Government of the U.S.A. awards scholarships/fellowships to Indian nationals for training in that country. The Ministry of Finance is the coordinating authority for this scheme also. The Ministry of Education and Scien- tific Research is responsible for the selection of teachers from universities, colleges and certain comparable institutions. All 13 candidates selected for 1955 have gone abroad. This number includes two teachers who, were sent for training in the technique of teaching foreign languages with the help of loop-films, etc., under an 'ad hoc' offer. Six candidates have returned after completing their studies.

For 1957, eight candidates have been recommended by this Ministry.

The entire expenditure is to be met by the Government of the U.S.A.

III. U.N. and Unesco Scholarships and Fellowships, U.N. Social Wel- fare Fellowships and Scholarships Programme

This Programme is designed to train suitably qualified social welfare-personnel through observation and study abroad to gain additional knowledge and experience of their particular subjects of specialisation. The Government of India or the sponsoring authority

has to meet the inland travel cost, actual passport, visa and medical examination fees and 50 per cent of the cost of the round-trip air travel, while the rest of the expenditure is met by the U.N.

India utilised six awards in the Programme for 1956. The Government of India's recommendations for the four Fellowships/ Scholarships for 1957 (excluding one award which could not be provided under the 1956 Programme) have been communicated to the U.N.

A provision of Rs. 26,000, including the United Nation's share of Rs. 13,000, has been made in the budget estimates for 1957-58 for defraying the travelling expenses.

Unesco Fellowships/Scholarships

(a) Technical Assistance Programme.

-Awards under the Technical Assistance Programme are made by Unesco against the approved specific requirements of National Laboratories/Research Stations/Institutions, etc.

Fourteen Fellowships were offered for 1956-57 in implementation of the projects at the Central Bureau of Educational and Vocational Guidance, Delhi, National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Banaras, Central Water and Power Research Station, Poona, the College of Engineering, Poona, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, and the Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics, Calcutta. The Government of India's recommendations in respect of ten fellows have already been sent to Unesco, of whom three have gone abroad. The remaining four fellowships, one each for a nominee of the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad and the College of Engineering, Poona and two for the nominees of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, have lapsed.

(b) For Study Training in Specific Fields, 1956-57

(i) Fellowships for Regional Cultural Studies.

The candidate recommended by the Government of India for the fellowship has been approved by Unesco..

(ii) Fellowship for Education for International Understanding and Cooperation.

The candidate recommended by the Government of India for the fellowship has also been approved by Unesco.

The entire expenditure (except expenses on passport, visa and medical examination fees) on the above scholarships/fellowships is met by Unesco.

IV. Fellowships/Scholarships Offered by Foreign Governments

The following foreign Governments offered scholarships/fellow ships/apprenticeships to Indian Nationals during 1956-57:

1. Austria-

(a) Two places for training in Banking in Austrian Banks- the selections have been made.

(b) Three scholarships for post-graduate study in Austria- the offer could not be availed of.

2. Czechoslovakia.-Two-three scholarships for post- graduate study in Czechoslovakia-the offer is under consideration.

3. East Germany.-Thirty scholarships for post- graduate study in East Germany-the offer is under consideration.

4. Egypt.-Five scholarships (three for 1956-57 and two for 1957-58) for post-graduate study in Egypt-the offer is under consideration.

5. France.-Eleven scholarships for 1957-58 for post- graduate study in France-selections are expected to be made shortly.

6. Italy.-Three scholarships for post-graduate study in any branch of the humanities, science, engineering, technology, education or fine arts-the scholars are studying in Italy.

7. Netherlands.-One fellowship for post-graduate research work in any scientific subject-the selected candidate is studying abroad.

8. Switzerland.-Two scholarships for higher study or research work in any branch of science, technology or engineering-one selected candidate has gone abroad and the other is expected to leave shortly.

9. Turkey.-One scholarship for post-graduate study in Turkey-the offer is under consideration.

10. U.S.S.R.-The offer of 11 scholarships every year for a period of five years with effect from 1957-58 is under consideration.

11. West Germany-

(a) Nine scholarships (including two renewals) for post-graduate study in W. German universities/insti- tutions-four selected candidates have so far joined their institutions of study.

(b) Eight scholarships for post-graduate studies/training during 1957-58-the sponsoring committee's recommendations regarding proper utilisation of these scholarships have been received. Steps are being taken to implement these recommendations.

In the case of these foreign awards, the Government of India generally meet passage expenses, if they are not provided in the award. A provision of Rs. 50,000 has been made in the budget esti- mates for 1957-58 for this purpose.

V. Foreign Institutions/Organisations Scholarships/ Fellowships/ Offers for Study/Practical training

The following foreign institutions/organisations offered scholar- ships/fellowships/training facilities to Indian nationals during 1956- 57:--

British Council Scholarships.

-The Council offered two scholarships during 1956-57 in the United Kingdom for teaching English as a foreign language. The selected candidates have gone abroad. The selections for the four scholarships for 1957-58 for research in the United Kingdom in Commonwealth Studies, Social Studies, Public Admin- istration and English phonetics have also been made.

Brush Aboe Group Commonwealth Scholarships.

-The group of- fered one scholarship for training in mechanical and electrical engi- neering in the United Kingdom. The candidate selected for 1956 has gone abroad. The selection of a candidate for the scholarship offered for 1957 will be made shortly.

Federation of British Industries Scholarships.

-The Federa- tion offered six scholarships for practical training in various branches of engineering in the British Industries during 1956-57.. Three of these -are fully paid and the remaining three are partially paid. In the latter case the passage expenses are borne by the Gov- ernment of India. One candidate has gone to the U.K. so far. The remaining five candidates will leave as soon as their training ar- rangements are finalized by the F.B.I. authorities. Selections for the six scholarships offered for 1957-58 have also been made.

Free City of Hamburg Scholarships.

-The Free City of Ham- burg has. offered ten scholarships to Indian nationals for post-gradu- ate study and research in Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geophysics, Nutrition Chemistry, Mathematics, Meteorology, Mineralogy, Oceanography and Physics during 1957-58. The last date for receipt of applications was 5th April, 1957.

Indian Women's Education Association, London Scholarship.

-The Association offered one scholarship for an Indian woman graduate for study in Education including Physical Education in the United Kingdom during 1956-57. The selected candidate is studying in the United Kingdom.

I.A.E.S.T.E. Offers for Practical Training.

-The object of the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Techni- cal Experience, of which India also is a member, is to arrange facili- ties: for practical training for students belonging to various member countries. A National Committee has been set up by the Government of India (a) to advise on fields of training abroad to be sought for Indians and to approve candidates for such training and (b) to. advise on and assist in securing facilities for training of foreign nominees in India. For 1956, offers have been received for 43 places. Of these, 35 are of short duration and are being utilised by the High Commission in the United Kingdom. Of the eight long term offers, three have been withdrawn, Candidates for the remaining five long term offers have been selected, of whom two have gone abroad so far.

For 1957, offers have been received for 51 places, of which four are of long duration and the remaining 47 of short duration. The 47 short-term offers are being utilised by the High Commission of India in the United Kingdom, while applications for the four long term offers were invited by 25th April, 1957.

THE DEMOCRATISATION OF EDUCATION--SCHOLARSHIPS