Tura, Oct 15, 2026:The delay of disbursement of Umbrella Scholarships to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students and the non-payment of pensions to elderly persons, persons with disabilities and widows become matters of serious concern. These are not merely administrative delays, they have directly affect the education, dignity and livelihood of some vulnerable sections of the society, said Bernard N.Marak of Tura MDC and BJP State Vice President.

The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has introduced and supported various welfare schemes to ensure that the benefits of development reach students, the poor, and disadvantaged communities.

However, the real success of these schemes depends not merely on announcing or sanctioning funds, but on ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive their entitlements in full and on time.

The Umbrella Scholarship scheme for ST students is intended to help them pursue their education by easing the financial burden of admission fees, tuition fees, and other educational expenses. But unfortunately, many students are reportedly not yet to receive their scholarship amounts, while others have allegedly received less than the amount due to them.

The purpose of providing financial assistance is defeated when scholarships arrive only after students and their families have somehow managed to pay their admission fees and monthly dues by borrowing money or making other sacrifices. For poor families, timely scholarship payments can determine whether a student continues studying without interruption or struggles to remain in college.

“A scholarship delayed is not simply a payment delayed, it is an opportunity denied at the time when support is needed most. The concerned authorities must explain why payments remain pending, why some students have reportedly received incomplete amounts, and when all eligible students will receive their full entitlements” said Tura MDC.

Equally disturbing are reports that pensions for elderly persons, persons with disabilities, widows, and other eligible beneficiaries have remained unpaid for months, in some cases reportedly approaching a year. Many beneficiaries, these pensions are not additional income or a matter of convenience. They are essential to meeting basic daily needs, including food, medicines and other necessities. Elderly people who can no longer earn a livelihood, widows supporting their families and persons with disabilities who depend on assistance cannot be expected to keep visiting offices and pursuing officials for money that is rightfully due to them.

When poor beneficiaries are forced to go from pillar to post without receiving clear answers, the very purpose of social security schemes is undermined. Welfare assistance must reach people when they need it, not after prolonged delays that leave them struggling to survive Marak added.

Reports of irregularities, incomplete payments, and possible pension-related scams also demand serious attention. Any allegation of diversion, fraudulent claims, or misappropriation of funds must be investigated impartially and those found responsible must face appropriate legal action. Beneficiaries should have access to a transparent grievance-redressal mechanism, while the authorities must publish clear information on pending payments and the status of eligible applicants.

The responsibility of the concerned authorities does not end with the release or sanction of funds. They must ensure that the money reaches the right beneficiaries, in the correct amount, without unnecessary delay or unauthorised deductions.

Marak urge the Government and the departments concerned to take immediate action to clear all pending Umbrella Scholarship payments for eligible ST students and ensure that every student receives the full amount due. Secondly, release all outstanding pension payments to eligible elderly persons, persons with disabilities, widows, and other beneficiaries without further delay.
Thirdly, Conduct an audit and investigate reported irregularities in scholarship and pension disbursements, including allegations of fraud or misappropriation wherever evidence warrants. Forth, Establish an effective grievance-redressal system so that students and pensioners can track their payments and seek timely resolution without repeatedly visiting government offices. Lastly, Fix responsibility for avoidable delays and irregularities and ensure regular, transparent disbursement of benefits in the future.

He also said that the welfare schemes supported by the Modi-led Central Government must translate into real assistance for the people for whom they were designed. The objective of these schemes is to empower ST students through education and protect vulnerable citizens through social security. That objective cannot be achieved if payments remain pending, entitlements are incomplete, or beneficiaries are left without answers.

A government scheme fulfils its purpose only when its benefits reach the intended people in full and on time. Students should not have to struggle to continue their education because their scholarships have not arrived, and elderly people, widows, and persons with disabilities should not have to plead for pensions meant to support their basic needs.

The authorities must act urgently, clear the outstanding dues, investigate credible allegations of irregularities, and restore public figure and the CEC of confidence in the delivery of welfare benefits. The poor and vulnerable deserve timely assistance, transparency, and accountability-not endless waiting, Marak said.