Rahul Gandhi calls out deplorable hostels and delayed scholarships for marginalized students in letter to PM Modi

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising concerns over severe challenges faced by students from marginalized communities due to substandard hostel conditions and persistent delays in scholarship disbursements.

During a recent visit to Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, Bihar, Gandhi observed overcrowded rooms housing six to seven students, unhygienic toilets, unsafe drinking water, inadequate mess facilities, and lack of access to libraries and the internet

He described these conditions as “deplorable” and urged immediate attention.

Gandhi also highlighted the continued delays and failures in the post-matric scholarship scheme. He noted that Bihar's scholarship portal was non-functional for three years, leading to zero disbursements in 2021–22.

Even after restoration, the number of Dalit students receiving scholarships dropped from 136,000 in FY 2022–23 to 69,000 in FY 2023–24, with many recipients calling the amounts “insultingly low."

Stressing that these issues are widespread across India, Gandhi recommended two key actions: conduct thorough audits of hostels catering to Dalit, Scheduled Tribes (ST), Economically Backward Class (EBC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority students, and ensure timely disbursement and enhancement of scholarship amounts, in coordination with state governments.

“I am sure you agree that India cannot progress unless youth from marginalized communities progress. I look forward to your positive response,” Gandhi wrote in his letter dated June 10.

Gandhi’s concerns echo those voiced by Congress leaders and student bodies, who have criticized the scholarship process as punitive and financially burdensome, citing frequent suicides and increased pressure on students forced to take high-interest loans .