Karnataka Government to spend Rs 5.6 crores to send students abroad

The Department of Social Welfare, Karnataka is spending Rs 5.6 crore to help 24 poor SC/ST students who are opting to go study abroad for higher education.

Social Welfare Minister, H Anjaneya said to the media, that children of vegetable vendors, mechanics, auto and bus drivers and ex-servicemen would be beneficiaries of this scheme.

"Had the department not come up with a plan to support them, their dream to continue their education in reputed institutions abroad would have remained unfulfilled," he said.

He also said that the department would cover all the expenses of the students, including course fees, travel expenses, VISA charges and study materials.

Out of 24 students, 17 are studying engineering, 3 for MBA, 2 for MBBS and 1 for LL.M courses. One of the students, Suresh Jain, has got an offer from the University of Wollongong in Australia, and is expected to receive a grant of Rs 43 lakh from the department.

A daily labourer's daughter, Anusha K Murthy, has received an offer from US university for a grant of amount Rs 39.47 lakh. Students who have secured 60% of marks are eligible for this grant.

Since the scheme was introduced in 2001, 67 SC and 18 ST candidates have been funded, with the department spending about Rs 9.85 crore on their studies.