Hyderabad, Feb. 1 -- The Kerala government has reduced minority scholarships by 50 per cent, citing financial constraints. The reduction of minority scholarships impacts educational opportunities for disadvantaged students particularly from below-poverty-line (BPL) minority families, drawing huge backlash from opposite political party leaders and social activists.

According to an order issued on January 15, one out of the 11 scholarship programs from the Department of Minority Affairs including Mother Teresa, Prof. Joseph Mundassery and APJ Abdul Kalam scholarships will face a 50 per cent reduction in funding.

A substantial portion of Rs 87.63 crore allocated for minority welfare scholarships during 2024-25 remained unspent despite the ...