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The ruling CPM had recently asked the government to prepare a special relief package for the Muslim community in the state with an emphasis on community development at the districts level.
“This is specifically meant for helping the needy among the minorities. The minority community will develop further with aid from the government. Financial help for needy students is also available from the chief minister’s relief fund and special funds of the higher education department,” said Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee after he handed over cheques to a number of such students at the Writers’ Buildings on Tuesday.
The West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Commission is set to disburse Rs 4.50 crore on stipends in 2007-08.
Not only the number of students, availing the stipends, has been increased this year, the amount too has been enhanced. Each student at the Higher Secondary level will now get an annual sum of Rs 6,000 instead of Rs 2,400, while undergraduate students will get Rs 9,000. The annual stipend to postgraduate students has also been increased to Rs 14,400 from the earlier Rs 3,000.
As per the scheme, which was launched three years ago, a student of a minority community with an annual family income below Rs 80,000 is eligible for the stipend. Apart from this, the student must secure above 65 per cent marks in Madhyamik or above 60 per cent in HS or at least 50 per cent marks at the graduation level to avail the scholarship. The government has reserved 30 per cent of the scholarships for the girl students. Those studying under Madrasa and other boards are also eligible for the stipend.
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