Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, has accused the Aam Aadmi Party of being anti-Dalit, stating that while the party claims to be a benefactor of Dalits, the truth is that it acts against their interests. Highlighting this, Gupta mentioned that in the academic year 2023–24, the Delhi Government provided scholarships under the Scheduled Caste Scholarship Scheme to only 79 pre-matric (Class 9–10) and 387 post-matric (Class 11–12) SC students. In comparison, the numbers in 2022 were 1,011 and 1,956, respectively. Expressing his displeasure, Gupta wrote to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, urging her to take appropriate steps to ensure that SC students are not forced to face financial hardship and can complete their education without difficulties. The Leader of the Opposition held the Delhi Government accountable for the declining number of students benefiting from this scheme. He claimed that due to the governments negligence and apathy, students are unable to access the Central Government-funded scheme. Gupta further alleged that depriving Delhi residents of benefits from Central Government schemes is a long-standing tendency of this government, citing examples such as the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and the issuance of ration cards for the poor. Gupta stated that the Central Government provides scholarships to SC students across various categories to ensure uninterrupted studies. Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, hostel students receive Rs 7,000 annually, while non-hostel students are granted  Rs 3,500 per year. Similarly, under the Post-Matric Scheme, students pursuing engineering, management, etc., receive Rs 7,000 (non-hostel) and Rs 13,500 (hostel). Those pursuing professional courses like pharmacy or nursing receive Rs 6,500 (non-hostel) and Rs 9,500 (hostel). Students enrolled in BA, BCom, or MCom courses receive Rs 3,000 (non-hostel) and Rs 6,000 (hostel). For other non-entrance courses, students receive Rs 2,500 (non-hostel) and Rs 4,000 (hostel) annually. Gupta expressed concern over the decreasing number of students applying for scholarships under this scheme. He revealed that while the Central Government bears 60% of the schemes funding, the Delhi Government contributes 40%. However, in 2023–24, out of 1,568 applications for pre-matric scholarships, only 79 were accepted, and out of 6,436 applications for post-matric scholarships, only 387 were approved. Many applications were rejected for trivial reasons, leaving students without financial aid. He urged the government to take necessary and effective steps to ensure that more students benefit from the scheme and complete their education without obstacles, as this initiative is closely tied to their future.

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