Massive Outcry Over 8–12 Month Scholarship Delay in Tripura, Students Gherao OBC Welfare Director

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 2, 2026

Anger is mounting across Tripura as students from Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities have alleged that their scholarships for the 2024–25 academic period remain unpaid for as long as 8 to 12 months. The prolonged delay has triggered protests in the state capital, with a group of aggrieved students today gheraoing the office of the Director of OBC Welfare, Nirmal Adhikari, demanding immediate release of their pending stipends.

Students from various higher educational institutions, both within and outside Tripura, claim that despite repeated assurances, the scholarship funds have not been credited to their bank accounts. Many say they are facing acute financial hardship as they rely entirely on these stipends to continue their studies.

The affected students stated that they had enrolled in colleges and universities based on the assurance that government scholarships would support their tuition fees, hostel charges, books, and daily expenses. However, with the delay stretching up to 8 to 12 months in some cases, many are struggling to meet academic deadlines.

“We go outside the state depending completely on scholarship money. If it doesn’t arrive on time, it creates a critical situation. Some of us have borrowed money, while others are at risk of discontinuing their studies,” said one protesting student.

Guardians have also expressed concern, stating that rising educational expenses have made it nearly impossible for economically weaker families to sustain higher education without government assistance.

The protesting students today alleged serious administrative lapses within the state’s welfare departments, particularly the OBC Welfare wing. They described the processing of scholarship files and fund clearance as extremely slow and lacking transparency.

With the financial year nearing its close, students questioned what steps were taken over the past several months and in some cases years to ensure timely disbursement. They demanded clarity on whether funds from the central government had been released and, if so, why distribution at the state level had been delayed.

During the gherao at the OBC Welfare office in Agartala, students pressed officials for a definite timeline for payment. However, no written assurance or clear schedule was reportedly provided at the time of protest.

The issue has also taken on political significance. Critics have raised questions about the functioning of the BJP-led government in Tripura, arguing that a double engine government, where both the state and central governments are led by the same party, should not face such coordination issues.

Opposition leaders have accused the government of prioritizing publicity campaigns and large-scale flex banner expenditures while failing to release scholarship funds meant for economically disadvantaged students.

Although the immediate protests centre on ST, and OBC scholarship delays, some general category students have also voiced concerns about financial challenges and delays in other educational assistance schemes. Families across categories, they say, are struggling amid increasing tuition fees and living costs.

As of now, the concerned departments have not issued a comprehensive public statement explaining the reasons for the prolonged delay, the status of fund allocation, or a confirmed disbursement timeline. Students and guardians are demanding transparency, accountability, and immediate action before the financial year ends.

Educationists warn that continued delays in scholarship distribution could lead to increased dropout rates, interrupted academic careers, and long-term socio-economic consequences for underprivileged students.

The protesting students have urged the state government to expedite all pending scholarship payments without further delay. With many academic institutions enforcing strict fee deadlines, timely financial assistance is critical to prevent disruption in studies.

The coming weeks are likely to determine whether the authorities respond with swift corrective measures or if student agitation intensifies further across Tripura.

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