In a major push to support inclusive education, the Uttar Pradesh government has disbursed Rs 323.29 crore as educational assistance to students from backward classes during the 2025–26 academic year, according to official data released on Tuesday. The move is being seen as a significant step toward reducing dropout rates and improving access to education among socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
The financial assistance was provided under various scholarship and fee-reimbursement schemes run by the state’s Backward Classes Welfare Department. These schemes cover students studying at pre-matric, post-matric, undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional course levels. Officials said the funds were transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to ensure transparency and prevent delays or leakages.
Senior government sources stated that lakhs of students across government and private educational institutions benefited from the support. The assistance aims to ease the financial burden on families struggling with rising education costs, including tuition fees, examination charges, books, and other academic expenses.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no student is forced to discontinue education due to financial constraints,” an official from the department said. The government has also instructed district authorities and educational institutions to ensure timely verification of applications so that eligible students are not left out.
Education experts have welcomed the move, noting that consistent scholarship funding plays a crucial role in improving enrollment and retention rates among backward class students. They added that financial aid, when combined with quality education and skill-based training, can help bridge long-standing social and economic gaps.
However, some student groups have urged the government to further streamline the application process and address complaints related to delayed approvals in certain districts. Officials have assured that grievances are being reviewed and corrective measures will be taken.
With education remaining a key focus area ahead of future policy planning, the large-scale disbursal underscores Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to strengthen social justice through targeted welfare schemes. The impact of this funding is expected to be reflected in higher participation of backward class students in higher and professional education in the coming years.
