TN CM insists; Centre withdraws order on SC/ST scholarship

Chennai, Feb 21 (UNI) The Centre today decided to withdraw its controversial order, making mandatory a minimum of 60 per cent marks for SC/ST students to avail scholarships under the Post Matric Scholarship scheme.

Union Social Welfare Minister Meerakumar telephoned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and conveyed that the Centre, after considering his request, decided to withdraw the order, an official release here said.

After the controversy arose, the Chief Minister had written to the Centre on January nine, stating that it should withdraw the order and follow the old system for award of scholarships for SC/ST students under the scheme.

Meanwhile, in the Union Cabinet meeting held today in Delhi, Mr Karunanidhi's request was considered and it was decided to follow the old guidelines. The decision was conveyed to the Chief Minister by the Union Minister, the release said.

When the issue was raised in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Mr Karunanidhi had assured that the state government would protect the interests of the SC/ST students, even if the Centre insisted on its new order.

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