ANSAM, KSO urge Tribal Affairs and Hills Department
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 29 2017:
The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Ghqs have submitted a joint representation to the Director of Tribal Affairs and Hills stating that the Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) has been denied unduly to the Scheduled Tribes Theological students from Manipur studying across India .
The erstwhile Theological students had enjoyed the same privilege until 2008 before it was removed arbitrarily by the then Government, alleged the student bodies .
As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on Post Matric Scholarship (PMS), the scheme covers all the students who have passed matriculation from recognized institutions and pursuing higher studies, including special training, diploma, degrees, etc, added the representation .
Most of the ST students pursuing Theological course come from economically deprived section of the society, and aim to make a career in religious institutions and affairs, said the two student organisations and added that in a State like Manipur where unemployment rate is high, religious courses have offered huge avenue of employment .
Keeping this fact in mind, the two student bodies appealed to the Director to immediately grant the Post Matric Scholarship to the ST students pursuing theological studies across India.