Parliament panel flags delays in Scheduled Caste scholarships, poor utilisation of OBC, minority welfare schemes
The panel was equally critical of the Free Coaching for SCs and OBCs scheme, which is intended to help economically disadvantaged students prepare for competitive examinations and gain admission to reputed higher education institutions.
A parliamentary standing committee has highlighted ongoing delays in scholarships for Scheduled Caste (SC) students, poor utilization of free coaching programs for SC and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students, and shortcomings in infrastructure and management of minority education facilities. In its reports on action taken by ministries of social justice and empowerment and minority affairs regarding recommendations made in March 2026, the committee demanded more grants and questioned the slow rollout of protection mechanisms for SCs from atrocities, seeking stronger monitoring of minority-development projects.
The committee criticized the slow disbursement of scholarships, pointing out that some states take "a few months to a year" to complete verification and formalities, despite the National Scholarship Portal opening in June. The committee also expressed concern over the Free Coaching for SCs and OBCs scheme, which fell short of its target in 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26, with actual expenditure being significantly lower than budget estimates.
Regarding minority education infrastructure, the committee found gaps between physical creation and functional utilization, highlighting issues like staff shortages, limited digital facilities, and low awareness. It called for robust monitoring, accountability mechanisms, and third-party evaluations to address these challenges.
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