The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment published a case study demonstrating the impact of the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme through the journey of Mr. Sayan Rai, a 32-year-old Scheduled Caste research scholar from Darjeeling, West Bengal, pursuing his Ph.D. The scholar faced significant financial constraints including difficulties meeting academic and living expenses, inability to purchase a personal laptop, unreliable internet connectivity in the Darjeeling Hills, and challenges in funding conference participation and fieldwork.
Since November 2022, the NFSC Scheme has provided financial assistance totaling ₹18,41,870, distributed through Fellowship, House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Contingency components. This support enabled the purchase of a laptop, acquisition of reliable internet connection, procurement of books and stationery, coverage of conference and seminar registration fees, travel expenses, and intensive fieldwork costs. The assistance has reduced financial uncertainty, strengthened academic productivity, and decreased dependence on family support for educational and living expenses.
The case study highlights the scheme's role in helping students overcome financial and geographical barriers to access essential research resources and pursue academic aspirations, ultimately empowering scholars to contribute meaningfully to the academic community.