The commencement of the renewal process for the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship has brought significant relief to approximately 600,000 students in Kolkata, while fresh candidates applying for undergraduate courses are actively exploring the procedure to avail of this scheme.
Scholarship Details and Benefits
Under this program, undergraduate students receive Rs 1,000 per month, which is disbursed annually in March or April. Since this year coincided with elections, many students had to wait nearly two months to submit their renewal applications. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari officially declared the scholarship process live on Monday, marking the start of the renewal cycle.
Student Experiences and Relief
Chayanika Bhowmik, a second-year student at a north Kolkata college whose father works as an AC service operator, expressed her relief. She stated, "I have to pay Rs 7,000 per semester. The scholarship almost covers the entire amount. I am relieved now." Similarly, Diyasa Banerjee, a student from south Kolkata, shared her gratitude. Coming from a four-member family supported by her father, who works as a delivery agent, Diyasa noted that her elder sister is pursuing law at a private college. Without the scholarship, she would not be able to continue her studies. She added, "I got a message from the higher education department that my matter was forwarded to the directorate, which means I will receive the amount shortly." Rajanya Chakraborty, another beneficiary, remarked, "This year the process was delayed for several reasons, but the renewal process is now open."
College Administration and Fresh Applications
A college principal commented, "Our nodal officer received calls from fresh candidates who applied for UG admission through the centralised portal, while we have been getting renewal applications almost every day from current students." The portal for receiving fresh applications will go live immediately after college admissions are concluded, ensuring that new candidates can also benefit from the scheme promptly.
