Pune: The state government's decision to grant 100% scholarships to Ph.D. students of BARTI has sparked joy among those students, but has led to anger and protests from students at SARTHI and Mahajyoti, who will only receive 50% scholarships.
The unequal treatment, despite similar eligibility criteria across all institutions, has prompted calls for equal scholarship distribution.
On October 30, 2023, the state government had announced that all students from BARTI, SARTHI, and Mahajyoti would receive 50% scholarships.
Following 15 days of protests by BARTI students, the government revised its decision on August 25, granting them 100% scholarships. However, this concession did not extend to students at SARTHI and Mahajyoti, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and accusations of discrimination.
Students from SARTHI have threatened drastic measures, including self-immolation, in response to what they see as unjust policies. They argue that all students have similar financial needs and academic achievements, and therefore, should be treated equally.
Prominent figures such as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and MLA Rohit Pawar have publicly supported the protesting students, further amplifying their demands for fair treatment.
SARTHI and Mahajyoti students claim they have met all the same academic requirements as their peers at BARTI, including passing the PET exam, presentations, and interviews.
They argue that the state government's decision is inconsistent and discriminatory, as it fails to provide equal financial support to all students pursuing similar research work.
Officials from SARTHI and Mahajyoti, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the decision was made at the state level and is beyond their control. While they expressed satisfaction that BARTI students will receive full scholarships, they questioned the fairness of denying the same to students from other institutions.
With 763 students from BARTI now set to receive full scholarships, the 989 students from SARTHI and 800 from Mahajyoti who are still limited to half-scholarships are demanding immediate policy revisions. The situation remains tense as students and supporters alike await further action from the state government.