Pune: SARTHI Declares Beneficiaries Of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad Scholarship After Months Of Delay

Mumbai: The Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training, and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) has announced the names of meritorious students from the Maratha and Kunbi communities in Maharashtra who have been selected for the prestigious Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad SARTHI Overseas Higher Education Scholarship. This development comes after a delay of over four months in the process.

The scholarship, introduced to support talented boys and girls from the Maratha and Kunbi communities, aims to provide financial assistance for higher education abroad. The list, initially expected to be released in September, was finalised only recently.

Ashok Kakade, managing director of SARTHI, refuted allegations of delay, stating that the institute had completed its part on time. Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Kakade clarified, "We had sent the list to the government much earlier, but because of elections in the state and with the model code of conduct in force, the state government has passed the resolution now,” Kakade said.

Under the scheme, SARTHI had proposed selecting 75 students annually, including 50 for postgraduate studies and 25 for doctoral courses. The selection process involved scrutinising applications and ranking courses based on the World QS Rankings. The final decision was made by a committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (Planning).

In total, 44 students have been so far selected for the "Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad Sarathi Talented Girls and Boys Abroad Higher Education Scholarship" programme for the 2024-25 academic year, considering available vacancies and merit ranking in each branch. “This is the first phase of the selection process and more applicants will be selected in the second phase,” Kakade informed.

A government decision has approved the granting of these scholarships. Students awarded the scholarship are required to meet conditions such as submitting a bond/guarantee letter, fulfilling prescribed criteria, and completing their courses abroad within the stipulated time.

The beneficiaries of this scholarship are expected to utilise the opportunity to pursue advanced studies abroad and contribute to the state's development upon completing their education. As a condition for the scholarship grant, they will be required to serve the state after completing their studies and use their knowledge for the welfare of Maharashtra.