Pune: Education grant scheme draws a blank

The scholarships for higher studies on marine biodiversity and kandal (mangrove) forests have remained unutilised for 2023-24 since no student has been able to fulfill the criteria of the foreign universities to research the subjects. The Kandal Forest and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation aims to promote ecological, multidisciplinary research to protect and conserve the biodiversity of the coastal forests in the state. Therefore, the state government announced scholarships for 25 meritorious students and released a list of 100 universities abroad for the aspirants to apply.

This year, not a single student could be selected as none could meet the expected criteria of the institutions. Following this, the aspirants have urged the government to change the norms and rules of this scheme. Sachin Koli, an aspirant, said, “The government decision released by the Department of Revenue and Forests regarding this scholarship is for admission to an institution of higher education or the top 150 QS-ranked institutions in the world. The students can take courses such as Marine Science, Marine Ecology, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Marine Fisheries, Marine Biotechnology or Microbiology, and Biodiversity. A total of 25 students will be given scholarships.

Advertisements for scholarships were publicised through social media. Also, the deadline for submission of applications was extended twice. However, it was seen that the applicants could not fulfill the criteria. Therefore, we could not be selected for the scheme in the academic year 2023-24. But we are demanding relaxation in the criteria. Otherwise, the funds will lapse every year due to less response.” An official in the Director of Higher Education said on the condition of anonymity: “The aspirants could not fulfill the criteria for admission to the listed global universities even after the demand of merit limit relaxation was met.

Now, it has been decided to change the criteria and courses of the scheme. According to the revised norms, an educational institution must be among the top 300 institutions in the Times Higher Education or QS World Ranking. Master’s degree and PhD students can apply for this scholarship. A total of 25 students will be given scholarships for the course. Also, the scope of the courses has been increased.” 

The courses

Marine Science, Marine Environmental Science, Marine Policy, Marine Ecology, Mangrove Ecology, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Marine Fisheries, Marine Biotechnology, Marine Microbiology, Marine Biodiversity, Climate Change and Mangrove Biodiversity-Marine Biology, Carbon Sequestration in Mangrove-Marine Ecosystem, and courses such as Sea Level Rise in Mangrove, Marine, Coastal Management. No change has been made in other conditions of implementation of the scheme.