HYDERABAD: The future of three Scheduled Caste (SC) students pursuing higher education in the United States under a Telangana government-sponsored programme hangs in the balance, as the promised financial assistance from the state remains unreleased.
According to a public appeal issued by former IPS officer and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state president RS Praveen Kumar, the students—Munjam Lavanya (Biomedical Engineering), K. Prashanth (Computer Science), and N. Harika (Computer Science)—were selected through the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS) to study abroad. Despite initial encouragement and support, their families have now raised alarm over severe financial distress faced by the students due to non-disbursement of scholarship funds.
Families raise urgent concerns
In a joint letter addressed to the state government, the parents of the affected students highlighted the growing challenges their children are facing overseas. These include:
– Inability to pay for housing and basic living expenses,
– Missed internship opportunities vital to their academic progression,
– Increasing psychological stress and uncertainty over their status.
The families claim that despite approaching Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka last year and receiving assurances, the funds have not been released. They further allege that multiple attempts to meet senior officials at the Social Welfare Department have yielded no clarity or follow-up.
Fears of deportation amid visa concerns
With the academic year underway, the delay in funding has not only disrupted the students’ education but also raised concerns over visa compliance. The parents expressed fear that their children may face deportation if the situation continues without intervention.
Appeal to Chief Minister’s Office
The distressed families have now sought direct intervention from the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), urging it to:
1. Release the pending scholarship dues immediately,
2. Ensure continuous academic and financial support,
3. Assist in re-establishing lost internship connections with proper guidance.
Political and social impact
Observers have noted that the episode could tarnish the image of the Congress-led government, which has historically advocated for social justice and upliftment of marginalised communities through welfare initiatives.
RS Praveen Kumar, known for his advocacy of SC/ST welfare, described the situation as “unfortunate,” stating that governmental negligence in such cases could potentially undo years of work in promoting educational empowerment among disadvantaged groups.
