SC students allege Post-Matric Scholarship scheme misuse, demand govt intervention

A group of Scheduled Caste (SC) students from a private university in Phagwara submitted a memorandum to Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Jashanpreet Singh on Saturday, alleging serious violations of the Dr BR Ambedkar Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) scheme by the university administration.

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The students accused the institution of financial exploitation, academic obstruction and discriminatory practices, which they claim have led to mental harassment and hardship among SC students.

The protest gained momentum with the active support of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leaders, who joined the students in demanding urgent intervention by the Punjab Government. In their complaint, the students alleged that although they are admitted under the PMS scheme—which is intended to provide free higher education to SC students—they are being made to sign documents stating “zero fees” at the time of admission, only to be later charged substantial amounts. They claimed the university is charging Rs 12,600 per semester from SC students despite receiving scholarship funds from the government. Postgraduate students are reportedly being asked to pay Rs 9,000 per semester along with Rs 3,600 in examination fees, while undergraduate students are allegedly forced to pay full semester fees upfront.

According to the students, these fees are often collected on the basis of verbal assurances that the amount would be reimbursed once the scholarship is released, but no such commitments are given in writing.

They further alleged that students unable to meet these financial demands are denied critical academic services, including admit cards for examinations and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) required for academic transfers or job applications. The students described the fee collection process as a form of forced advance payment that results in immense mental stress, discrimination, and a sense of helplessness among already marginalised students.

The issue took a political turn as several senior BSP leaders joined the students during the submission of the memorandum. BSP Youth Wing Kapurthala President Arun Suman, State General Secretaries Advocate Balwinder Kumar and Harbhajan Balalon, State Secretary Lekhraj and BSP Halqa Incharge Phagwara Chiranjee Lal Kaala were among those present.

Speaking to the media, Advocate Balwinder Kumar strongly condemned the university’s actions and warned that such blatant exploitation of SC students would not be tolerated. He demanded immediate legal and administrative action against the university for violating the provisions of the PMS scheme and for caste-based discrimination.

BSP leader Arun Suman emphasised that the scholarship scheme, named after Dr BR Ambedkar, was a hard-won right meant to uplift Dalit students and must not be undermined by private institutions prioritising profit over social justice. He affirmed that the party would continue to support the students and if needed, escalate the matter to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and other concerned authorities.

The memorandum submitted by the students calls for a government inquiry into the university’s admission and fee collection practices concerning SC students. It also demands strict monitoring of scholarship disbursements to prevent misuse. The students have appealed to the Punjab Government to uphold the rights of marginalised students and ensure timely justice.