Assam government announces Rs 194.55 crore scholarship assistance for 1,66,124 Scheduled Tribe students pursuing higher education, while promoting digital literacy, entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities among tribal communities across the state.
The Assam government on Wednesday announced scholarship assistance worth Rs 194.55 crore for 1,66,124 Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing higher education across the state. The initiative is aimed at strengthening educational opportunities for tribal students while promoting digital literacy and broader socio-economic development among tribal communities.
The scholarship programme was organised by the Tribal Affairs (Plain) Department at the GMCH Auditorium in Guwahati. According to the department, the scholarship assistance will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, providing financial support to students continuing their higher education.
Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who also holds the portfolios of Higher Education, Tribal Affairs (Plain) and Information Technology, attended the programme as the chief guest. Senior officials, students and other stakeholders were also present during the event.
Among those attending were Tribal Affairs (Plain) Department Commissioner and Secretary Binita Pegu, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Principal-cum-Chief Superintendent Dr Babul Kumar Bezbaruah, departmental officials, scholarship beneficiaries and media representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ranoj Pegu underlined the growing importance of digital awareness and digital literacy in education and everyday life. He said that students need to develop adequate digital knowledge to navigate an increasingly technology-driven environment.
The minister encouraged students to use technology responsibly and constructively, particularly for their educational development. He highlighted the role of digital skills in enabling young people to access information, educational resources and opportunities in a rapidly changing environment.
Pegu also stressed the importance of higher education for tribal students and youth. He urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the financial assistance provided through the scholarship programme and remain committed to their academic pursuits.
The scholarship assistance is expected to ease some of the financial challenges faced by students pursuing higher education. By providing direct financial support, the initiative seeks to help a large number of Scheduled Tribe students continue their studies and pursue further academic opportunities.
The programme also included support for Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs involved in homestays. Minister Ranoj Pegu distributed financial assistance for upgrading homestay facilities under the Tribal Affairs (Plain) Department.
The homestay assistance is designed to support ST entrepreneurs and strengthen livelihood opportunities within tribal communities. Upgrading homestay facilities can help beneficiaries improve their existing enterprises while contributing to local economic activity.
The inclusion of entrepreneurship assistance alongside scholarships highlighted a broader approach towards supporting tribal communities through both education and livelihood opportunities. While scholarships focus on students pursuing higher education, the homestay assistance seeks to provide economic support to ST entrepreneurs.
The Assam government said the initiative reflects its focus on strengthening higher education, digital literacy and economic opportunities for Scheduled Tribe communities. The scholarship component covers 1,66,124 ST students and represents a substantial financial commitment towards educational assistance.
The direct transfer of scholarship funds into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts is also intended to facilitate the delivery of financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries. Students receiving the support are expected to use the assistance towards continuing their higher education and meeting associated educational requirements.
The programme brought together government officials, students, beneficiaries and other stakeholders to highlight the importance of educational and economic support for tribal communities.
With the scholarship assistance and homestay financial support being announced at the same programme, the initiative combines educational support, digital awareness, entrepreneurship and livelihood development under the Tribal Affairs (Plain) Department.
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The government said continued support in these areas would contribute to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening socio-economic prospects for Scheduled Tribe communities in Assam. The scholarship assistance for more than 1.66 lakh students is therefore positioned as a major component of the state’s efforts to support tribal youth pursuing higher education.
