Northeast Desk, August 16, 2024 — In a significant move to support education for students affected by ethnic violence in Manipur, the Assam Rifles has granted full scholarships to four meritorious students. The scholarships, covering tuition and admission fees totaling Rs 20 lakhs per student, are aimed at helping these students pursue a BSc in Biotechnology at a prominent university in Gujarat.
The scholarship recipients were selected through a thorough evaluation process that included academic coaching and personality assessments. These students, who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, had demonstrated exceptional academic and extracurricular abilities but faced barriers to higher education due to the ongoing unrest in their home districts.
The Assam Rifles intervened to secure this opportunity by negotiating with the Vice Chancellor of the Gujarat-based university, which agreed to waive all admission and tuition fees for the 2024 academic year. This initiative underscores the Assam Rifles’ commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of displaced students.
On August 16, the selected students and their guardians were seen off at Imphal Airport by the Assam Rifles. They departed on Indigo Flight 6E-2417 at 1:50 PM, heading to Ahmedabad. There, they will be cared for by the Bal Vidya Mandir Samiti until permanent hostel arrangements are made.
In addition to the scholarships, the Assam Rifles has provided financial support to cover the students’ initial settling-in costs and other educational expenses, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in their studies.