more-in The State government will increase the amount of scholarships given to students from religious minorities for higher education, and open zero-balance bank accounts for them. Speaking in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, Opposition leaders alleged that nearly 2,00,000 minority students do not get the government scholarship. Minister of State (Minorities Development) Dilip Kamble contested the claim, saying that the scheme had received a lukewarm response only because of a similar Central government scheme. “According to my information, 1,142 students applied for the concession through the State scheme, of which 920 applications were eligible for it,” he said. Congress leader Sunil Tambe raised a calling-attention motion, alleging that thousands of eligible students were being deprived of the benefit. Mr. Kamble then announced that the scheme would be made attractive by opening zero-balance accounts for students. “We will also increase the amount.” The scheme provides ?25,000 to students to pursue medical and technical courses. “The State also offers up to ?5,000 for students from religious minorities pursuing graduation courses,” Mr. Kamble said.

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