THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The provincial attitude of policy makers has denied stipend to bright students in fishermen families who got admission in premier higher education institutions out of the state. With this, poor families have to pay hefty fees from their own pockets. The issue is caused by a stipend request form that is served only in Malayalam. The heads of institutions in other states are expected to fill them in a language they do not follow in order for state fisheries department to release stipend.
Aneesha Ani Benedict of Valiyathura, who is a second year post graduate student in Marine Biology and Ocean Sciences at Adaman Nicobar campus of Pondicherry varsity made headlines recently for bagging a prestigious scholarship programme in England. However, little is known that her fisherman father had to pay around Rs 70,000 as her first year fees in spite of being eligible to get full fees from government.
Similar is the case with Anand R.M. of Valiyathoppu who studies at TERI University, Delhi. Sindhu N of Pulluvila who studies in University of Hyderabad also has the same problem. “It is rare for off springs of fishermen to qualify in national level examination and get into central universities. They battle social and economic hurdles. Hence, denial of stipend is a very painful experience for them,” said Robert Panipilla, Chief Coordinator of an NGO Friends of Marine Life.
Though a government order dated June 9, 2014 ensures stipend similar to those for SC/ST students to children of fishermen family, Ms Benedict couldn’t convince fisheries officials on stipend for one year. “Officials maintained that I am not eligible for stipend as I study out of state. Finally after the intervention of minister J. Mercy Kuttiyamma, fisheries officials gave me this form. It was in Malayalam and I am still stuck up in the process,” Ms Benedict said. Meanwhile, Fisheries officials maintained that such official communications that bear government seal will only be in Malayalam and they are still working out to find a solution.
