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While state government departments such as the Social Welfare Department (SC), OBC Welfare Department, and SARTHI (for the Maratha community) have already issued advertisements and initiated the application process for overseas education scholarships, the Tribal Development Department has yet to release a notification. 

Terming the delay “extremely unfortunate”, student rights’ advocate group Student Helping Hand’s on Wednesday wrote to the Tribal Research and Training Institute, Pune, demanding urgent action.

“The Tribal Development Department has not issued any advertisement regarding overseas education scholarships for tribal students, which is extremely unfortunate,” wrote Advocate Kuldeep Ambekar, president of Student Helping Hand’s.

The letter highlights that while other departments have not only initiated application procedures but also extended deadlines in some cases, “no such process has been initiated by the Tribal Development Department”.

According to government norms, 40 tribal students are expected to benefit from the scheme each year. However, “in 2024–25, only seven students were deemed eligible. Even in such a scenario, the department has not yet started the application process, which is a serious issue”.

Students who were hoping to apply this year say the uncertainty is taking a toll on their plans and well-being. “My admission deadline is fast approaching, but without any clarity on the scholarship, I’m stuck. I can’t proceed with visa or accommodation planning,” said one student.

Another added, “We’ve been checking the department’s website daily for updates. Every day that passes increases our stress. This isn’t just a delay—it’s jeopardising our entire academic future.”

Most foreign universities begin their academic year in September. The organisation warned that any further delay would force tribal students to face multiple hurdles. “Due to the delay, students face many academic, financial, and mental difficulties. There are delays in admission, visa process, accommodation planning, and fund disbursement, which affect their academic performance and future prospects,” the letter stated.

Student Helping Hand’s has demanded that the Tribal Development Department act without further delay. “We strongly demand that the Tribal Development Department immediately issue the advertisement for the overseas scholarship scheme, start the application process, and prevent loss to students,” the letter concluded.