UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Distributes Rs 3,350 Crore in Scholarships to Nearly 28 Lakh Students
In a significant move to bolster educational support, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday transferred a massive sum of Rs 3,350 crore directly into the bank accounts of 27.99 lakh students. The beneficiaries include students from Classes 9 and 10, as well as those pursuing post-matriculation courses, belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), minority communities, and economically weaker sections (EWS). The funds were disbursed as scholarships and fee reimbursements during a program held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow.
Scholarships as Motivation for Hard Work, Not Subsidies
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized that scholarships are designed to motivate students toward diligence and perseverance. "Scholarships are meant to inspire hard work and dedication among students. It is effort and not subsidies that ultimately lead to success," he stated. This philosophy underpins the state government's approach to educational funding, aiming to foster a culture of merit and achievement.
Direct Benefit Transfer Ensures Transparency and Cuts Corruption
Yogi Adityanath highlighted the transformative impact of technology-enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in ensuring transparency and eradicating corruption. "Before 2017, scholarship funds were often siphoned off at various administrative levels. Today, with a single click, Rs 3,350 crore has reached nearly 28 lakh students directly, without any middlemen," he declared. He noted that in the 2025-26 fiscal year alone, the state government disbursed scholarships totaling Rs 4,800 crore to 67 lakh students, showcasing a robust and efficient distribution system.
Additional Welfare Initiatives and Financial Assistance
During the event, the Chief Minister also released Rs 100 crore as financial assistance to 33,334 dependent families under the National Family Benefit Scheme. This support is provided following the death of the family's primary earning member. Yogi revealed that in 2025-26, over 1.36 lakh families received assistance worth more than Rs 412 crore under this scheme, underscoring the government's commitment to social security.
Targeting Previous Governments and Allegations of Misuse
In a pointed critique, CM Yogi Adityanath targeted the previous Samajwadi Party-led governments, accusing them of misusing funds intended for the poor. "Earlier administrations were involved in large-scale corruption in scholarships, pensions, and various welfare schemes. Funds meant for the underprivileged were diverted and misappropriated," he alleged. He contrasted this with his government's approach, where pensions and benefits are now transferred directly into beneficiaries' accounts, benefiting over 1.06 crore elderly individuals, widows, and differently-abled persons with an annual amount of Rs 12,000 each.
Highlighting Key Welfare Programs
The Chief Minister elaborated on several flagship welfare initiatives launched under his administration:
- Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana: This collective marriage scheme has facilitated 5.54 lakh weddings for daughters from economically disadvantaged families, providing them with financial support and social dignity.
- Abhyudaya Coaching Scheme: Since its inception in 2020-21, this program has benefited more than 1.15 lakh aspirants, offering coaching for competitive exams and enhancing educational opportunities.
- Women Empowerment and Youth Entrepreneurship: Various initiatives focus on empowering women and fostering youth entrepreneurship, including digital entrepreneurship at the Nyaya Panchayat level.
- Skill Development: Large-scale skill development programs are being implemented through employment zones, aiming to enhance employability and economic self-reliance.
The event was attended by several state ministers, senior government officials, and public representatives, reflecting the broad-based support for these welfare measures. Yogi Adityanath's announcements underscore a continued emphasis on leveraging technology for transparent governance and targeted social welfare in Uttar Pradesh.
