Karnataka to clear ₹100 crore in pending minority scholarships, says Minister

Bengaluru, 01/10/2026: The Karnataka government plans to settle approximately ₹100 crore in pending minority scholarships, announced Minorities Welfare Minister U.T. Khader on Tuesday during a press conference. The department intends to allocate ₹494.71 crore for scholarships and financial assistance this year, covering students from class 1 to PhD level.

The budgeted amount is ₹440 crore, but the department is prepared to seek additional funding if the demand surpasses the allocated funds. To address student concerns, the department will launch an online grievance helpline, accessible via 82777 99990, where registered students can submit their grievances, which will be tracked and responded to.

Additionally, a 'Minority Mitra' mobile application is under consideration to handle public complaints related to departmental matters.

The department is also focusing on enhancing educational opportunities for minority students. They plan to introduce skill training programs to boost employment prospects, establish language laboratories and implement an artificial intelligence-based learning system tailored to students' interests. Furthermore, the department intends to revise the way National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) coaching is delivered to students in classes 9 and 10, transitioning from solely online classes to incorporating offline coaching sessions at schools.

In terms of infrastructure, the government aims to establish new Shishunala Sharif schools based on local demand and accessibility assessments. The foundation stone for 100 of these schools is set to be laid by the end of November, with an estimated cost of ₹800 crore. Construction of 77 previously initiated schools is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated by the end of the same month.

The State government has also requested the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) to extend the deadline for fee payment, as thousands of students are yet to receive reimbursement under the Minorities Welfare Department's scheme. Over 13,000 students applied for assistance this year, with an estimated fee requirement of around ₹30 crore.

The department has selected 8,086 students thus far, up from approximately 5,000 last year. The scheme, designed to aid minority students pursuing correspondence courses, has faced financial constraints as the commitment extends beyond the first year of a course.