Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently announced the UP Sanskrit Scholarship Scheme at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, aimed at promoting the study of Sanskrit among students in the state. This initiative will benefit 69,195 students, with a total financial allocation of ₹5.86 crore in scholarships.
During his address at the university, Adityanath emphasized that the eligibility criteria for the scholarship have been significantly revised. Previously, only 300 students qualified, and age restrictions were in place. Under the new scheme, all eligible candidates can apply without any age limitations, encouraging broader participation.
The Chief Minister also urged students to open bank accounts to ensure secure transfers of their scholarship funds. Additionally, Sanskrit learning institutions will provide free accommodation and meals, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial burdens. These institutions will also have the flexibility to hire qualified instructors, or Acharyas, to teach the language.
Adityanath expressed concern over the declining interest in Sanskrit, particularly after 2000, when the Sanskrit Education Board ceased functioning effectively. He noted that this led thousands of students to leave studying the language. The new scholarship scheme aims to reverse this trend by making Sanskrit education more accessible and economically viable.
By offering financial support and enhancing the learning environment, the UP Sanskrit Scholarship Scheme seeks to reignite interest in Sanskrit and elevate its status within the educational framework of Uttar Pradesh. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for the language while integrating it into contemporary academic disciplines.
