Probe on into reports of irregularities: Sibal

"We are making inquiries. We are aware some reports (of irregularities) have come and I have asked my Secretary to inquire into the matter to find out exactly what has happened," Sibal told reporters after attending a Congress party function here.

Implementation of the schemes, funded by the HRD ministry, was the job of the state government but he would look into any complaints of irregularities, the minister said.

The Centre had sanctioned 25,000 scholarships spread over the next five years for students of Jammu and Kashmir but the response in the first year was poor as only 400 applications were received, Sibal said.

"We may have to re-look at some of the criteria including the upper income slab so that the scholarships are well utilised by the students," he said.

In response to a question, the minister admitted that lack of awareness about the scholarship scheme might be one of the reasons for poor response saying this needed to be corrected.

Sibal said the UPA government was keen to see Jammu and Kashmir moving fast on road to progress and prosperity.

The Centre had provided enhanced support to the state during the last three years and would continue to do so in years to come, he said. MORE