A Maharashtra government committee will compare student welfare schemes run by the Tribal Development Department and the Social Justice Department, with the aim of bringing greater uniformity to grants and facilities provided to beneficiaries, Loksatta – Pune reported on September 10.
The Tribal Development Department has issued a government resolution appointing a four-member committee for the exercise. The committee will study the grants, amenities and other facilities made available to students through schemes administered by the two departments.
The decision follows a meeting between representatives of students from government tribal hostels and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on August 29. During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the departments to undertake a comparative assessment of the support available to students and establish greater uniformity between the schemes.
According to the report, the committee has been instructed to submit its report within three months. Further action will be taken on the basis of its recommendations.
The exercise covers welfare measures for students associated with the two departments, including schemes and facilities delivered through government hostels. The report did not specify the names of the four committee members, the individual grants under comparison or the changes that may be recommended.
The committee’s report is expected to provide the basis for any subsequent decision on revising grants, facilities or implementation arrangements. Until that process is completed, the existing student welfare schemes will continue to operate under their respective departments.
