Expressing concern over the limited revenue-generating capacity of Northeastern states, Member of Parliament Biplab Kumar Deb urged the Central Government in Parliament to take full financial responsibility for pre- and post-matric scholarships meant for tribal students in the region.

Deb argued that to enhance educational access and ensure better support for tribal communities, the Centre should shoulder 100% of the costs under these scholarship schemes. Currently, the expenses are shared between the Central and state governments.

He also questioned the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry on whether it plans to revise and increase the scholarship amounts, which have remained unchanged since the 2019–20 financial year.

Highlighting the unique socio-economic and geographical challenges faced by the Northeast, Deb said, “Given the financial limitations and difficult terrain of the Northeastern states, the Centre must take a more proactive approach in strengthening education. Increasing scholarship rates and shifting to full central funding are crucial steps.”

In response, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram stated that while most states follow a 75:25 funding pattern, Northeastern states already benefit from a 90:10 ratio, with the Centre covering 90% of the expenditure. However, he clarified that there is no proposal at present to move to a 100% centrally funded model.

Regarding the stagnation of scholarship amounts since 2019–20, the minister noted that although all dues have been cleared, the government has not yet considered any revision in the scholarship rates.