Bengaluru: SC/ST students studying in nursing institutions will get financial assistance to the tune of Rs 50,000 from the state government, according to social welfare minister H Anjaneya.

Speaking to reporters in the state secretariat Vidahana soudha, the minister said institutions across the state are asked to furnish data of all eligible candidates who are likely to benefit from the scheme.

Earlier government used to provide financial assistance to candidates taking up IAS exams and will now be extended to nursing category for the first time to enable students to pay course fee and avail other benefits, he clarified.

The minister said around 125 Morarji Desai and Rani Chennamma hostels will be started across the state during the next academic year.

In addition 145 full-fledged residential schools will commence operations, he clarified.

He said, he will look into the complaints made by an official of his department against journalists at Madikeri in Kodagu related to an incident.