Northeast Desk, 15th September: Charpo Taffo Sonam, a prominent student leader, has strongly criticized the state government’s decision to transfer the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme back to the Social Justice, Empowerment, and Tribal Affairs (SJETA) Department. The scheme, which is under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, was previously handled by SJETA but was moved to the Department of Education following allegations of mismanagement during the 2016-17 academic year.
Speaking at a press conference, Sonam stated that students had initially demanded the transfer to the Department of Education due to SJETA’s mismanagement. However, a recent government notification has mandated the return of all files, beneficiary data, and unspent funds to SJETA for the 2024-25 academic year, citing the need for “smooth implementation.”
Sonam questioned the decision, raising concerns over SJETA’s capability to manage the scholarship effectively, given its past failures. He called for a permanent resolution and announced plans to submit a formal representation to the Chief Minister and the Department of Education, urging public support in opposing the transfer.