– Ronita Torcato 

The government is working to secure the necessary funds for pending minority student scholarships, cabinet minister Narhari Jirwal stated in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

Responding to a query from MLA Abu Azmi during Question Hour —with legislators Amin Patel and Amit Deshmukh also joining the debate — Jirwal detailed the current funding gaps:

For the 2025–26 academic year, the programme required roughly Rs 200 crore, but the finance department only allocated Rs 60 crore. While the ministry requested an additional Rs 90 crore through supplementary demands across the monsoon, winter, and budget sessions, the request was denied, forcing them to distribute only the available Rs 60 crore.

For the 2026–27 fiscal year, Rs 80.76 crore has been budgeted, with Rs 48.46 crore already disbursed on June 25.

Reaffirming commitment to resolve the backlogs, Jirwal said the government will consider raising the amounts to combat inflation. He also announced plans to construct dedicated hostels for minority boys and girls in every district.

Also read: Bihar to dismiss over 3,000 teachers over fake degrees, forged certificates