West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today, January 19, slammed the BJP-led Central government's steps to stop scholarships for students of backward castes and minority communities. She said her government would be providing them help.

"The central government has discontinued scholarships for students of OBC, backward classes and other minorities. But do not be worried. West Bengal government will be providing the same grant to them," 

Banerjee said during an administrative review meeting.

Unveiling the ‘Medhashree’ scholarship scheme, under which students belonging to the backward and minority communities will be entitled to Rs 800 as a grant, Banerjee said that her government would do its bit to protect their interests.

The Trinamool Congress chief also said that attempts were being made to make divisions among the people of West Bengal, and urged people not to pay heed to them "Don't pay heed to whatever BJP are saying to create divisions among people. We want to look forward to a unified society,"  Banerjee said.

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