Laloo assures release of pending scholarships

SHILLONG: A delegation of the United Democratic Party Youth Wing met Deputy Chief Minister in charge Education, R.C. Laloo, at his office chamber on Tuesday and apprised him of the delay in release of scholarships for students.
Laloo assured that the State government will take steps to release the scholarships at the earliest.
The delegation reminded him of his affirmative reply to a question on the release of scholarships by UDP legislator Titosstarwell Chyne in the last session of the State Legislative Assembly and sought his stand on the matter in the interest of the student community.
The minister briefed the delegation that since the funding pattern from the Centre has changed there were hindrances that delayed the process, which, lately has been addressed. He assured the delegation that the scholarships for 2015-2016 will be released soon. Simultaneously, scholarships for 2012- 2013 for Garo Hills which had suffered a shortfall will also be released, he asserted.
The minister further informed that due to non-availability of funds from the Centre, the scholarships for the year 2014-2015 is still pending even as he added that follow up action is being taken up by the department.
The delegation also aired its views on the lack of internet connectivity for online scholarships which has affected many students and sought his intervention in this regard.
The delegation also urged him to order all the deputy commissioners to speed up the process of issuing Scheduled Tribe certificates as the delay has affected the chances of students getting early admission.
The delegation consisted of UDP leaders Donkupar Sumer (MDC), Allantry Franklin Dkhar, Hamlet Dohling, Michael War, Commander Shangpliang and Winding Nongkhlaw.