Minority Scholarships have no modification

Hyderabad, February 12: There is no modification of minority scholarship schemes under the government order related to the chief minister s overseas scholarship scheme for minorities (CMOSSM).With the objective of giving wings to aspirations of students from minority communities, willing to pursue a masters degree in foreign universities, the government introduced the scheme in May 2015. The beneficiary would receive 10 lakh in two installments. This was later enhanced to 20 lakh.However, applicants such as Mohammed Haseemuddin, a resident of Amberpet, pointed out that those who wish to pursue a one-year post graduate course are ineligible. This despite courses and the universities being recognized.Minorities Welfare Department secretary Syed Omer Jaleel ruled out changing the guidelines. Speaking to TOI, he explained that these were framed after deliberations with the Scheduled Castes Development Department. The CMOSSM was modeled on the lines of a similar scheme for Scheduled Castes."There are several dubious institutions which claim to be universities. They thrive on funds of overseas students. The degrees offered by these fly by night universities are not good enough for the market. This is why we have taken a decision to approve applications of those who apply for a two-year course," Jaleel said.The department has decided that a certificate of English proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory for some students, poor in English, are taking six-month courses in English. "The government is paying for the master s degree but not the English improvement course. Hence, the proficiency certificate has been made mandatory," the secretary said.The beneficiary would receive 10 lakh in two installments. This was later enhanced to 20 lakh