Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has issued directives to the Directorate of Tribal Welfare to address the alarming issue of Rs. 2.17 crores in unclaimed scholarship funds designated for over 950 girl students. This situation has sparked concerns over the potential hindrance to educational opportunities for girl children, particularly within the Scheduled Tribe communities.
The GSCPCR has proactively taken suo moto cognizance in response to reports highlighting that funds, allocated under the Vidya Laxmi scheme, remain unclaimed due to a lack of direct outreach. This oversight contradicts the state government’s commitment to the “Sarkar Tumchya Dari” initiative, which aims for the doorstep delivery of transparent and efficient governance, especially concerning the welfare of the young and vulnerable population.
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The Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights expressed their concern, stating, “In the heart of every child lies a dream waiting to be nurtured. Our duty is to ensure that no child is left behind due to procedural neglect. These unclaimed scholarships represent not just funds, but unfulfilled aspirations of our girl students.”
To address this issue, the Commission has directed the Directorate to undertake immediate and enhanced outreach efforts. It is essential to ensure that scholarships reach their intended recipients and that the 90-day period, after which unclaimed funds would be reverted to the state treasury, is deemed unjust.
The Commission has mandated a comprehensive report on corrective actions to be taken within 30 days. Emphasizing the importance of direct and effective communication with beneficiaries, the aim is to ensure that no eligible girl student misses out on their rightful scholarship, aligning with the broader goal of inclusive and equitable educational opportunities.
