Last Update: January 20, 2023, 12:01 am IST
Mamata Banerjee’s government has implemented 17 per cent reservation for OBCs (File)
Mamata Banerjee launched the ‘Medhashree’ scholarship, under which students from backward and minority communities would be entitled to an annual grant of Rs 800, benefitting 2.63 lakh students every year.
Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee on Thursday criticized the BJP-led central government’s move to stop scholarship for students from backward castes and minority communities and said his government would provide assistance to them.
He launched the ‘Medhashree’ scholarship, under which students from backward and minority communities would be entitled to an annual grant of Rs 800, benefiting 2.63 lakh students every year.
He said that his government has implemented 17 per cent reservation for OBCs.
“The Center has stopped scholarship for OBCs and minorities, but don’t worry, we will provide the same to them,” Banerjee told an administrative meeting here.
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He said that his government provides education in Ol Chiki, Rajbanshi, Hindi, Nepali, Santhali, Kurmi, Kamtapuri and other languages.
Banerjee said that around 3.83 crore students across the state have received scholarship under the Ekyashree scheme, while over 40,000 beneficiaries have received students’ credit cards.
Alleging that the Center was not releasing funds for several schemes, she said, “We will take care of ourselves. We will not beg. Central leaders come to West Bengal and make big comments but after the elections are over, they are nowhere to be seen. On central teams coming to the state to check proper implementation of schemes, he said, “First, they come to collect income tax and customs from West Bengal, then they send central agencies to harass our leaders. They are not even paying our dues.” However, she insisted that she would not beg the Center for funds.
Let’s see how long they can keep this up. I will not beg in front of them.
Banerjee also targeted the central government for not filling vacant posts in central institutions.
“They (Centre) have stopped vacancies under Railways. Where are the jobs in Coal India? What has he done with Air India? They’re selling everything.
But when I offer jobs to the youth of my state, they try to stop it. Their job is to hinder our growth. I think one should not do politics on jobs, food, health and needs of the people.
“They put their leader’s mugshot on everything…they claim to provide ration, house and what not,” he said without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Efforts are being made to create awareness, and urged all to remain united.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)