Funds yet to be released under national fellowship scheme

Funds are yet to be released under the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship scheme, which was introduced by the Centre to increase higher education opportunities for students with disabilities.
"The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has introduced a central government scheme namely, Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) during the financial year 2012-13 to increase opportunities to students with disabilities for pursuing higher education leading to degrees such as M.Phil and Ph.D," Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Manikrao Gavit said.
"The scheme is to be implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Funds have not been released so far under the RGNF scheme," he said.

In response to another question, Gavit said the ministry was revising its scheme to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse.
"The scheme of 'Assistance for prevention of alcoholism and substance (Drugs) abuse and social defence services' is under revision with a view to rationalise the cost norms and absorb cost escalation in consultation with the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Finance," he said.