Now Reading: TN PhD scholar in Malaysia awaits Rs 36 lakh SC/ST aid
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TN PhD scholar in Malaysia awaits Rs 36 lakh SC/ST aid
Bharathidhasan Raman, a second-year PhD scholar from Tamil Nadu pursuing research on brain ageing at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, has not received his second-year scholarship under the Tamil Nadu State Overseas Scholarship Scheme for SC and ST students. The funds, which cover tuition, living, and research expenses up to Rs 36 lakh, were due in April.
Raman received assistance for his first year but says the delay in the second-year release has forced him to borrow money from peers and faculty. In a representation dated August 11 to the state Social Justice department, he said the delay is hampering his research, as he cannot afford materials, equipment, or books.
Raman was selected for the scheme in November 2024 and began his PhD in 2025. He has appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to sanction the funds, describing the financial strain as causing mental trauma.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Tamil Nadu State Overseas Scholarship Scheme aims to enable SC and ST students to pursue higher education abroad, but delayed disbursals have been a recurring grievance. For a scholar already living abroad on a student visa, a lapse in funding can threaten both residency status and academic progress. The state's Social Justice department, which administers the scheme, typically processes annual renewals based on progress reports and fund availability. Raman's case highlights the vulnerability of overseas scholars who cannot fall back on local support networks. A similar delay was reported in 2023 for students in the UK. The next step will be whether the department clears the second-year installment before the current academic term ends.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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