SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has launched the distribution of the initial installment of the Umbrella Post-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe students for the 2025–26 academic year, amounting to over ₹93 crore.
The ceremony at Shillong College was attended by Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, state officials, and a large gathering of students.
For the current academic period, 96,812 Scheduled Tribe applicants were verified, with a total scholarship allocation of ₹198.42 crore.
The first release of ₹93.698 crore—comprising ₹84.55 crore from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and a 10% state share of ₹9.40 crore—will directly benefit all eligible students, covering tuition, accommodation, and essential study materials.
A major change in the process sees the state integrating its payment system with the Union Finance Ministry’s Single Nodal Agency.
Now, Direct Benefit Transfers from the Reserve Bank of India will deposit funds directly into students’ accounts, replacing the previous system of state-advanced payments and reducing administrative delays.
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Chief Minister Sangma explained that due to high transaction volumes and national holidays, bank transfers may take up to five working days, and students should expect SMS notifications over this period.
The Education Department will monitor and resolve any failed transfers due to bank or documentation issues.
Looking ahead, the application period for the 2026–27 academic year is open on the National Scholarship Portal until November 30, 2026. The government has instructed administrative teams to process early verifications and secure the remaining funding.
Sangma encouraged students to take personal responsibility and leverage modern learning resources, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting tribal youth in their pursuit of higher education.
(4FrontMedia news)
