Mizoram students sit on hunger strike
Aizawl: Mizoram Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Aizawl, announced plans to launch an indefinite hunger strike by Thursday night in response to the long delay in distribution of the second installment of scholarship.
MZP members and students have been protesting at the Mizoram Scholarship Board office premises for the last three days expressing their disappointment over the stalled payments.
On Thursday, MZP leaders met Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, demanding a solution to the scholarship payment impasse. Zoramthanga assured him that the amount of the second installment has been deposited in the Mizoram Scholarship Board account. Emphasizing the urgency of distribution, he said there is no risk of political gains after the elections are over.
However, when MZP leaders approached the Secretary of the Department of Higher and Technical Education, Esther Lalruatkimi, they faced a hurdle. Lalruatkimi cited the need to obtain permission from the Election Commission before releasing the scholarships.
In response, the MZP appealed to them to advocate for the needs of the students and put pressure on the Election Commission for quick permission. Criticizing Lalruatkimi’s stance, an MZP official expressed disappointment over his opinion as lacking advocacy for student welfare.
As these efforts failed to yield results, the MZP has decided to continue the indefinite hunger strike until its demands are met. The Mizoram Scholarship Board had earlier pointed out the need for the permission of the Election Commission to release the scholarship.
On Wednesday, MZP representatives held talks with the Joint Chief Electoral Officer of Mizoram to expedite the permission process.
As of September 25, 2023, a total amount of Rs 1,787.48 lakh earmarked for scholarships is with the Mizoram government. The delay has affected 11,462 students from Mizoram and 3,010 students from outside the state who are desperately waiting for the crucial second installment of their scholarship.
