Tripura: TISF Protests Demanding Immediate Transfer of Post-Matric Scholarship Funds, Issues 2-Day Ultimatum

The protest took place in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Circuit House.

In response to TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma’s call for youth to stand against injustice and corruption in Tripura, the Tipra Indigenous Students Federation (TISF) today staged a protest demanding immediate transfer of post-matric scholarship funds to tribal students.

The protesting students expressed their frustration over the delay in scholarship disbursements and said that it hinders the educational opportunities for tribal communities.

They also served a two-day ultimatum to the government to disburse their scholarship and said that if their demands are not met within this timeframe, they will escalate their protests until they receive their scholarship.

The protest took place in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Circuit House.

The protesting students, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged rural backgrounds, highlighted the urgent need for these scholarship funds to cover essential education expenses, including course fees.

With banners and posters in hand, they raised slogans against the Tripura Tribal Welfare Department and its Minister, Bikash Debbarma, whom they held responsible for the delay.

The students asserted that provision for similar scholarship is also there for the schedule cast students and all of those applicants have received their stipend but due to the tribal welfare department’s inefficiency, their educational future could get jeopardized.

They said that despite applying well in advance, several students are yet to receive the scholarship amount in their bank accounts.

The Tripura Tribal Welfare Department had previously assured students that payments would be made after Durga Puja, citing technical issues with the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system and problems related to fake income certificates as the reasons for the delay.

However, students, today claimed their reason for delay is inadequate and unacceptable, insisting that the government must take immediate action to resolve these issues and fulfil its commitments.

“Our education and future depend on this financial aid. The delay is causing severe distress, and we are ready to continue our protests if the issue is not addressed immediately,” one of the students said.

In response to the escalating concerns, TIPRA Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma wrote to Chief Minister Manik Saha and Governor Nallu Indrasena Reddy, urging their intervention in resolving the matter.

Responding to Debbarma’s request, CM Saha has invited him along with representatives from the student group, for a meeting to address the issue, said Debbarma.

Also Read: Tribal Women Block National Highway in Tripura Demanding Clean Drinking Water

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