With the sanctioning of the 3rd Instalment of scholarships for the students of Nagaland by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs on Thursday, Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Friday directed the department concerned of the State to disburse scholarships at the earliest.
He has also requested the banks to take this issue on priority basis and do the needful so that the students get the scholarships as early as possible.
The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) staged a ‘peaceful dharna’ outside the Chief Minister’s official residence in Kohima on December 18 demanding release of the scholarships.
It reminded the State Government of its assurance of December 7 to the student community that positive steps would be taken to pay the remaining scholarship amount to the students for the year 2016-17, but no initiative was taken as assured.
In a letter circulated in the social media today, the Chief Minister attached the letter of sanction for the 3rd instalment of scholarship by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Stating that he the State Government has been earnestly working towards giving the students the scholarships which they all are eagerly waiting for, Zeliang said he held several rounds of talks with the Department of Higher Education and Finance Department and also student organizations and have taken personal interest to disburse the scholarship at the earliest.
However, unfortunately owing to various reasons, which have been explained in detail by the department concerned to the student bodies, the delay took place, he stated.
“I believe this clears the air for the delay and that the State Government has no hand in the delaying of scholarships,” Zeliang said.
He further informed that the 4th instalment of scholarship, amounting to Rs 5 crore, is yet to be released by the Ministry.
Zeliang furthe told the students that they have every right to share their grievances with him whatever way they deem fit while assuring not to deprive them of their scholarships as the well-being and progress of the student community is very dear to him.
He also appealed to them put their trust and faith on him for better governance.
