The Social Welfare Department has recorded a sharp rise in the number of students applying for pre- and post-matric scholarships across categories in Sikkim over the past three years, reflecting growing awareness and participation. However, the department admits that delays in fund release and a stringent income ceiling continue to hinder timely disbursal and full coverage of deserving students.
According to departmental data, Post-Matric Scheduled Tribe (ST) scholarships saw a steady increase from 2,650 students in 2022–23 to 3,255 anticipated for 2025–26, with 1,862 applications already received this year. Similarly, Post-Matric OBC/EBC beneficiaries grew from 2,488 in 2022–23 to an expected 3,007 this year, with 1,867 applications submitted so far.
Under the Pre-Matric ST category, the number of students rose from 49 in 2022–23 to 509 anticipated for 2025–26, with 370 applications already received. The Pre-Matric OBC/EBC category also witnessed a surge from 39 in 2022–23 to 501 anticipated beneficiaries this year, with 364 applications currently under process.
The Post-Matric SC scholarship too has grown moderately—from 288 students in 2022–23 to a projected 392 in 2025–26, with 182 applications received so far. Meanwhile, the special Pre-Matric SC (Parents engaged in hazardous occupations) category recorded 69 expected beneficiaries this year, with 36 applications received as of October 27.
While these figures highlight the growing reach of scholarship schemes across the state, Bandana Chettri, Additional Secretary of the Scholarship Section, Social Welfare Department, pointed out several ongoing challenges affecting student participation and timely disbursal.
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“One of the major reasons students are unable to avail of the scholarships is the income ceiling of Rs 2.5 lakh per annum, which leaves out many deserving students who may still be financially constrained,” Chettri said.
She also cited delays in fund release from the central ministries as a recurring problem. “Scholarship funds applied for in the first year are often credited only in the second year due to procedural delays in fund disbursement. This discourages students from continuing their applications,” she explained.
Chettri added that a lack of awareness among students and parents also contributes to low uptake in certain areas. To address this, the department has initiated statewide awareness campaigns across schools, colleges, and educational institutions to educate students about available schemes and the benefits they can claim.
Clarifying the process, she said students are required to apply only once, and the scholarships continue automatically throughout their education based on fund releases from the ministries. “The department is committed to ensuring that eligible students are not deprived of their entitled support, and we are taking steps to streamline the process for quicker disbursal,” Chettri assured.
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