What Are the Alarming Hostel Conditions and Scholarship Delays for Marginalised Students?
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Synopsis
Rahul Gandhi's recent letter to PM Modi highlights alarming living conditions in hostels and the ongoing delays in scholarship disbursement for students from marginalised communities. His candid revelations about the state of education for Dalits, STs, and OBCs call for immediate government intervention to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent need for hostel condition improvements.
- Immediate action required for scholarship delays.
- Focus on marginalized communities in education.
- Government must ensure basic amenities for students.
- Collaboration with state governments is essential.
New Delhi, June 11 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, spotlighting the significant obstacles faced by students from marginalised communities in accessing quality education.
He urged the government to take immediate action on two pressing issues impacting students from Dalit, Scheduled Tribes (ST), Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority groups.
In his correspondence, the Congress MP expressed that the living conditions in residential hostels serving these communities are in a deplorable state.
"I urge you to address two main issues that obstruct educational opportunities for the vast majority of students from marginalised communities. Firstly, the conditions in residential hostels for students from Dalit, ST, EBC, OBC and minority groups are severely lacking," he wrote.
Gandhi mentioned his recent visit to the Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, Bihar, where students reported overcrowded accommodations, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient basic amenities.
"Students voiced concerns about sharing single rooms with 6-7 individuals, unsanitary toilets, unsafe drinking water, lack of mess facilities, and no access to libraries or the Internet," the letter stated.
He also drew attention to the inefficiencies within the post-matric scholarship program, particularly its effects on Dalit students in Bihar.
"The post-matric scholarship system for marginalised communities is riddled with delays and inefficiencies. For instance, in Bihar, the scholarship portal was non-operational for three years, and no scholarships were disbursed in 2021-22," he said.
Gandhi highlighted that even after the portal's restoration, the number of Dalit students receiving scholarships plummeted dramatically—from 1.36 lakh in the financial year 2022-23 to merely 0.69 lakh in 2023-24.
"Students also complained that the scholarship amounts are woefully inadequate," he added.
Although his examples were mainly from Bihar, Gandhi clarified that such failures are widespread throughout the nation.
To tackle these issues, Gandhi suggested that the Prime Minister conduct a thorough audit of all hostels designated for students from marginalised groups to ensure they comply with basic standards regarding infrastructure, sanitation, nutrition, and academic support.
He also called for prompt disbursement of scholarships, an increase in scholarship amounts, and improved collaboration with state governments for efficient implementation.
In closing his letter, Gandhi stated, "I trust you agree that India's progress is intertwined with the advancement of youth from marginalised communities. I eagerly await your positive response."
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the systemic barriers faced by marginalised communities in India. The issues highlighted by Rahul Gandhi reflect a broader national concern that requires immediate attention and action. The education of our youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is vital for the country's progress.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues are being raised by Rahul Gandhi in his letter to PM Modi?
Rahul Gandhi's letter raises concerns over poor hostel conditions and delays in scholarship disbursement for students from marginalised communities.
What specific communities are affected by these issues?
The concerns primarily affect students from Dalit, Scheduled Tribes (ST), Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority groups.
What did Gandhi observe during his visit to the Ambedkar Hostel?
He noted overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation, lack of essential facilities, and unsafe drinking water.
What recommendations did Gandhi make in his letter?
He called for a comprehensive audit of hostels, timely scholarship disbursal, increased scholarship amounts, and better coordination with state governments.
How significant is the scholarship issue in Bihar?
The scholarship portal was non-functional for three years, leading to a drastic drop in the number of Dalit students receiving scholarships.
