# Dalit scholar in Malaysia accuses TN government of withholding funds

2026-09-18T10:32:26+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Bharathidasan Raman, a Dalit PhD scholar from Tamil Nadu studying at Malaysia's National University, says the state social justice department has delayed releasing Rs 19.5 lakh for his second year under the Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship. In a video on September 17, he said the delay stalled his research for six months and risks his expulsion over unpaid fees. He has been invited to present at AIIMS Delhi in early October. The department denied the allegations, saying Rs 12 lakh was already given, and that the student's expenditure bills were not recommended by the university registrar. It said previous documents were unacceptable and that the video aimed to defame the department. DMK leader MK Stalin and opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin backed the scholar, while CPI(M) urged Chief Minister Vijay to intervene.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Both outlets report the same facts: a Dalit scholar alleges funding delays, the government cites incomplete paperwork. TheNewsMinute gives voice to DMK and CPI(M) opposition criticism, framing the delay as a political failure. Siasat Daily stays closer to the government's rebuttal, quoting the department's detailed accounts. The gap depends on whether the Registrar's non-recommendation or the student's video is treated as the lead. Neither outlet questions the underlying scheme's disbursement mechanism. The student's next presentation at AIIMS is scheduled for the first week of October.

## Coverage

- thenewsminute.com (government critical) <https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/dalit-phd-scholar-in-malaysia-says-tn-govt-targeting-him-by-delaying-scholarship-funds>
  Leads with opposition criticism and the student's emotional appeal, including the Rohith Vemula comparison
- siasat.com (pro government) <https://www.siasat.com/dalit-scholar-in-malaysia-claims-tn-govt-withholding-funds-3544262/>
  Quotes the government's detailed rebuttal before the student's allegation, frames the video as false information

Tags: AIIMS Delhi, Bharathidasan Raman, MK Stalin, Rohith Vemula, Tamil Nadu Social Justice Department
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