Pune: Expenditure on municipal scholarships for meritorious students by PMC has increased fivefold since the programme’s inception two decades ago. With the civic administration now spending approximately Rs20 crore annually on the initiative, officials are planning to introduce an eligibility cap similar to the “non-creamy layer” criteria. Under the proposed changes, students from families with an annual income exceeding Rs8 lakh will no longer be eligible. Currently, the scheme provides Rs15,000 to SSC (Class X) students and Rs25,000 to HSC (Class XII) students from both govt and private schools to support their higher education. “The increasing number of beneficiaries has placed a significant financial burden on the civic coffers. We observed that many students from affluent backgrounds were availing of these scholarships, and in some cases, the funds were not being used for their intended educational purposes. Therefore, we have decided to implement these restrictions,” said a senior Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) official. According to PMC data, the number of beneficiaries has surged from approximately 3,500 in 2008-09 to nearly 10,000 last year. To qualify, students must score at least 80% in their board examinations. The awards are named after Bharat Ratna Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (for SSC) and Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe (for HSC), with budget provisions made annually. While the general eligibility remains 80%, the PMC previously relaxed requirements for visually challenged students. The earlier 65% minimum marks condition was dropped, and now any visually challenged student who passes the exams is eligible for the benefit. The application process typically begins in Sept, with funds distributed in Dec and Jan following document verification. Asha Raut, head of the PMC’s social welfare department, said, “The proposal to introduce an income cap was approved by the standing committee. Earlier, there was no income limit. Our goal remains to encourage students from all backgrounds to pursue further studies and help them procure necessary equipment and materials.” While activists have welcomed the income cap, they warned against the “politicization” of the scheme. Vijay Kumbhar of the citizens’ group Surajya Sangharsha Samiti noted that while the funds come from taxpayers, many politicians attempt to take personal credit. “These scholarships are funded by public money, yet many politicians organise grand public events to pretend as though they or their parties are providing the aid. Civic officials must put an end to such events and ensure the focus remains on the students,” Kumbhar said.
