Biren launches scholarship scheme for civil service aspirants

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, March 7, 2019: Chief minister N. Biren Singh today officially launched the “Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Civil Services Coaching” at the Cabinet Hall of chief minister’s secretariat,  under which the state government will provide 100% scholarship to 150 selected civil services aspirants to realise their dreams.

With one year course fee of Rs. 70,800 per student, the total amount, which is to be borne by the state government is pegged at Rs. 1,06,20,000. This will be matched by an amount of Rs.1,11,51,000 to be borne by Delhi-based ALS-IAS Institute under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. This CSR component will support another 300 students under different slabs of varying scholarship amounts.

A selection examination will be conducted on May 19 by the ALS-IAS Institute in coordination with the state higher education department and district administration. The top 150 students will be given 100% scholarship sponsored by the state government under the scheme. The next 50 students will get 75% scholarship, the next 50 students will be given 60% scholarship, the next 100 will get 50% scholarship and the remaining 100 will be given 40% scholarship, all sponsored by ALS-IAS Institute. All the selected 450 aspirants of the dtate will get coaching from the authorised centres of ALS-IAS Institute located at Imphal, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong, Maram and Motbung.

The chief minister said many of the students of the state coming from humble background are desirous of pursuing career in the civil services and other higher education. However, many students give up the idea due to high cost of coaching classes and tough competition, he added. As such, the scheme has been conceptualised to provide the much needed support to deserving and meritorious students to realise their dreams, Biren said.

The government has partnered with ALS-IAS Institute to provide adequate grooming to deserving aspirants. The institute uses modern satellite technology whereby the same class given at Delhi is telecast live at all the centres of the state with facilities for two-way communication between teachers and students, he informed.

Application forms for the exam will be available at both DC offices and ALS-IAS authorised learning centres from April 1 till May 12. The exam results will be declared on May 26 and classes will commence on June 5.

Similar scholarships have been announced by governments of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Tripura as well to get coaching from ALS-IAS Institute. However, the amount borne by the Government of Manipur is the highest among all these North East states, said a government statement.

Education minister Th. Radheshyam, health and family welfare minister L. Jayantakumar, forest and environment minister Th. Shyamkumar, tribal affairs and hills mnister N. Kayisii and high ranking government officials attended the laumching function.