Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has slashed funding for several minority scholarship programs by 50%, citing financial constraints. The move has sparked significant backlash from opposition leaders, student organizations, and social activists who argue that the decision disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to an order issued on January 15, the funding cut affects 11 scholarship programs under the Department of Minority Affairs, including the Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship, APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship, and Mother Teresa Scholarship. These programs primarily support students from economically weaker sections of the Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities.
Despite an allocated budget of ₹87.63 crore for minority scholarships in 2024-25, a substantial portion of the funds remains unspent even as the financial year nears its end. Critics argue that rather than ensuring full utilization of the funds, the government has chosen to reduce assistance to students who rely on these scholarships for their education.
Impact on Key Scholarship Programs
Among the most affected is the Prof. Joseph Mundassery Scholarship, which supports high-achieving students from BPL minority families. Under the program, students who scored A+ in SSLC received ₹10,000, while those securing 80% in higher secondary or 75% in vocational higher secondary education were awarded ₹15,000. The 50% reduction in funding has raised concerns about the future of these students, many of whom face financial hardships in pursuing higher education.
Similarly, the APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship, which grants ₹6,000 to students securing merit-based admission in government-approved institutions, has been halved. This scheme particularly benefits BPL students and female scholars, with 30% of the scholarships reserved for women. Critics argue that the cuts will disproportionately impact young women from underprivileged backgrounds by limiting their access to higher education.
The Mother Teresa Scholarship, which supports Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi students enrolled in government nursing and paramedical diploma programs, will also see a reduction. Many students from these communities, who depend on the scholarship to cover their tuition and living expenses, may now struggle to continue their studies.
Political and Student Reactions
The decision has triggered a sharp response from political parties and student organizations. The Congress party condemned the move, accusing the ruling Left government of following in the footsteps of BJP-ruled states.
“Like the BJP government, Kerala’s ‘CJP’ government too hits minority students hard by cutting their scholarships to half,” the Kerala Congress unit wrote on X.
The Muslim Students Federation (MSF) state president PK Navas alleged that the CPM and BJP are forming a “dubious alliance” to undermine minority rights. The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) also criticized the decision, with state president Adv. Abdul Vahid warning of protests if the government does not reverse the cuts.
Government Justification and Future Uncertainty
The Left government under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has justified the scholarship cuts as a necessary step due to financial constraints. However, critics argue that the government’s decision contradicts its previous stance of accusing the Centre of neglecting minority rights.
With growing pressure from opposition parties, student bodies, and activists, the future of these scholarship programs remains uncertain. If the decision is not overturned, many underprivileged students, particularly from BPL backgrounds, may be forced to abandon their educational aspirations.
(This is a developing story.)
