New Delhi: A recent Right to Information (RTI) response has revealed that none of the MBBS students enrolled at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML), New Delhi, have received scholarships under the institute’s official scheme.
The RTI was filed by Dr Aman Kaushik to obtain details on the disbursement of both financial-need-based and academic-performance-based scholarships for MBBS batches 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
In its reply dated 23 October 2025, the institute stated:
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“No MBBS student has been disbursed any scholarship of this institute so far.”
The institute had launched a dedicated scholarship scheme in January 2025 to support meritorious and financially weaker students. The plan included:
- Financial-need-based scholarships: Two students per batch, receiving ₹36,000 annually (₹3,000 per month) along with tuition and hostel fee reimbursement.
- Academic-performance-based scholarships: Two students per batch, with the same monetary and reimbursement benefits.
However, despite the formal launch, no financial assistance has been granted to any student yet. As per student representatives, at least 14 applications have been submitted so far batches 2023-24 applied by 28 January 2025, while batches 2021-22 applied by 7 May 2025 but disbursements remain pending.
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The administration reportedly cited financial implications and ongoing discussions with the Union Health Ministry as reasons for the delay.
Implications and Significance
The revelation raises serious questions about policy execution and accountability within one of Delhi’s top central-government medical institutes.
- The non-implementation of a scholarship scheme meant to aid students from economically weaker sections undermines the institution’s stated commitment to student welfare.
- Scholarship delays can create financial strain, particularly for students who rely on these benefits to pay hostel and tuition fees.
- The failure to disburse even a single award also highlights administrative bottlenecks and possible coordination issues between the college and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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Possible Reasons for Delay
- Budgetary and financial constraints: The institute may not have received timely fund allocations.
- Administrative inefficiencies: Incomplete application review processes and lack of clarity regarding eligibility.
- Pending ministry approvals: Discussions with the Health Ministry may be delaying the final clearance of the fund release.
- Lack of monitoring mechanisms: Absence of regular reporting or public disclosure on scholarship disbursement status.
Recommendations for Stakeholders
For the Institute:
- Expedite verification and disbursement processes for pending scholarship applications.
- Release an official circular detailing the current status and expected timelines.
- Ensure transparent fund allocation and coordination with the Health Ministry.
For Students:
- Follow up formally with the academic and administrative offices regarding application progress.
- Maintain all payment records and supporting documents for future claims.
- Request periodic status updates in writing under RTI if delays persist.
For Policy-Makers:
- Introduce mandatory timelines for medical colleges to process and distribute scholarships.
- Conduct regular audits to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Allocate dedicated budgetary provisions for student welfare in centrally-run institutions.
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