Barriers to Learning: Experiences of Marginalized Students under Scholarship-Based Affirmative Action in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54741/SSJAR/6.2.2026.333Keywords:
affirmative action, scholarship, odisha, scheduled castes, scheduled tribesAbstract
Access to higher education in India remain limited for marginalised student despites affirmative action policies. Financial constraints, rural-urban disparities, gender inequalities, and administrative inefficiencies persisted as significant barriers. This study critically examines how scholarships especially Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, addresses these challenges for marginalised communities, particularly for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe. Data were collected from 259 students through a mixed-method approach in the state of Odisha. The findings reveal that although 98% of respondents were eligible, 36.7% did not receive any financial assistance, largely due to procedural delays and administrative inefficiencies. Insufficiency of the scholarship amount, lack of awareness and complex paperwork remain other barriers. The paper argues for streamlined administrative processes, increased transparency, and expanded awareness campaigns to strengthen the transformative potential of scholarship-based affirmative action. By foregrounding the experiences of marginalised, the study contributes to ongoing discussions on equity, inclusion, and institutional change in India’s higher education.
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