New Delhi, Aug 19
The Indian government's National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme, aimed at supporting students from marginalised communities, has come under the spotlight as the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provided details on its operations.
The information, presented in a written response by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, on August 19 sheds light on the number of beneficiaries and the funds disbursed over the last five years.
According to the data, a total of 725 provisional award letters were issued between the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2025-26.
For 2025-2026, provisional award letters to 106 candidates have been issued but candidates are yet to proceed abroad for study.
Of these, 473 candidates received final award letters, and 460 beneficiaries proceeded abroad to avail the scholarship.
The number of beneficiaries who have gone abroad has fluctuated, peaking at 114 in 2023-24 and dropping to 79 in 2024-25.
The total funds allocated to the scheme have seen a steady increase, from Rs 30 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 95 crore in 2024-25.
The total expenditure over the last five years (2020-21 to 2024-25) amounted to a staggering Rs 267.08 crore.
Maharashtra consistently had the highest number of beneficiaries and the largest expenditure, with 68 beneficiaries and Rs 43.65 crore spent in 2023-24 alone. Other states with a significant number of beneficiaries include Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
The government stated that district-wise data is not maintained.
When asked about the time taken to disburse funds, the Ministry explained that funds are released to Indian Missions abroad through Letters of Authorisation (LoA). These missions are then responsible for providing the funds to the students, universities, or institutions.
To raise awareness, the government publishes advertisements in newspapers and sends letters to State and Union Territory Social Welfare departments. Grievance redressal measures include dispatching officers for spot verification of documents and approaching Embassies to send Embassy Verification Reports (EVR).
The government also reimburses to and fro airfare by the shortest route in economy class for travel support.
— IANS
Reader Comments
₹267 crore for 460 students? That's nearly ₹58 lakh per student! While I support the scheme, we need better transparency on how this money is being utilized. Couldn't we have supported more students with better financial planning?
Maharashtra getting maximum beneficiaries again. What about students from North Eastern states and tribal areas? The scheme should ensure better regional distribution. Every state deserves equal opportunity.
As someone working in education sector, I appreciate the comprehensive support including airfare reimbursement. Many students from marginalized backgrounds drop out due to hidden costs. This holistic approach is commendable.
The drop from 114 to 79 beneficiaries is concerning. Government should investigate why fewer students are proceeding abroad. Is it due to visa issues, lack of awareness, or other barriers?
Hope these students return to India and contribute to our development. Brain drain is a real concern. Maybe there should be a bond period requirement to serve in India after studies.
Good to see the government tracking this data. However, district-wise data should be maintained to identify which areas need more awareness campaigns. Local level data helps in better implementation.
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