From Financial Pressure to Global Research Exposure: How National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Scheme Helped PRIYANGA G Pursue Her Ph.D.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment highlighted the impact of the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (NFSC) Scheme through the case of Ms. Priyanga G, a 27‑year‑old Ph.D. scholar from Puducherry. After receiving the NFSC fellowship in November 2022, she was able to overcome financial burdens and family pressure, purchase research material worth ₹10,000‑₹15,000, and attend more than ten conferences, including two abroad, taking her parents along. She described the fellowship as a turning point that strengthened her research exposure and career prospects, illustrating how the scheme supports higher‑education aspirations of Scheduled‑Caste scholars.