I earned a merit scholarship from Class VI onwards on the basis of a special examination. I was paid Rs 4 per month and though education was free I had to pay a monthly fee of Rs 2.75 out of the scholarship.
The catch was that for the entire year scholarship would be paid after the academic year ended though fee was to be paid every month.
On many occasions I could not pay the fee in time and was not allowed to sit in the classroom. I used to stand outside the classroom and listen to the teachers. A few teachers would take pity on me and allow me to sit, but outside the classroom.
This continued for three years.
The scholarship and the fee doubled in Class IX. I was asked to give my willingness for renewal of the scholarship. I did not want to face the humiliation of standing outside the classroom in rain and sun any longer.
Without even consulting my father, I declined the offer of enhanced scholarship.
There is a price to be paid for being meritorious in our country!
The catch was that for the entire year scholarship would be paid after the academic year ended though fee was to be paid every month.
On many occasions I could not pay the fee in time and was not allowed to sit in the classroom. I used to stand outside the classroom and listen to the teachers. A few teachers would take pity on me and allow me to sit, but outside the classroom.
This continued for three years.
The scholarship and the fee doubled in Class IX. I was asked to give my willingness for renewal of the scholarship. I did not want to face the humiliation of standing outside the classroom in rain and sun any longer.
Without even consulting my father, I declined the offer of enhanced scholarship.
There is a price to be paid for being meritorious in our country!