Archive · 18 Jun 2025
Sarathi Scholarship Faces Criticism for Stricter Rules
A government program called Sarathi is supposed to help students from a certain community study abroad.
But now, they're asking students for more paperwork, including proof of land ownership, which is making people upset.
Students feel this is too much and is stopping them from getting help.
Even worse, some students who were supposed to get money last year still haven't received it, and are struggling to pay for their studies.
Students want the program to be easier to use and for the money to be given out faster.
Sarathi, a state-run body, faces criticism for adding land ownership records as a requirement for its 2025 foreign scholarship.
Student activists like Kuldeep Ambekar are calling the documentation requirements excessive and a form of harassment.
Students must submit 24 items, including legal declarations and various certificates, increasing upfront costs.
Students selected in the 2024 cycle have yet to receive financial support, with some taking on debt.
A student at the University of Leeds, despite fulfilling paperwork, awaits funding for a £29,250 program.
- Who
- Sarathi, the Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute, is the organization in question. Kuldeep Ambekar, a student activist, is a primary critic.
- What
- Sarathi is facing criticism for increasing documentation demands, specifically land ownership records, for its foreign scholarship.
- When
- The 2025 scholarship scheme has introduced these new requirements.
- Where
- The scholarship program is for students studying abroad.
- Why
- Student activists and applicants believe the new requirements are excessive, creating barriers to accessing scholarships and causing delays in funding.
Student Activists
Sarathi (Implied)
Documentation Requirements
Student Activists
The documentation requirements are excessive and a form of harassment, creating hurdles for students.
Sarathi (Implied)
N/A
Process and Funding
Student Activists
The scholarship process should be simplified, and funds should be released without further delay.
Sarathi (Implied)
N/A
- Organization
- Sarathi
- Scholarship Focus
- Higher Education for Maratha students
- Criticism
- Excessive documentation
- New Requirement
- Land ownership records
- Legal Declarations
- Undertaking, bond, affidavit
- 2024 Cycle Status
- 75 students still unfunded
- Student Cost Example
- £29,250 for a Leeds University student