CAN Foundation: Project Eklavya 7th Edition Unveiled for NLU Student Aid

• The CAN Foundation has announced the 7th Edition of Project Eklavya to support underprivileged undergraduate students at National Law Universities.
• For the 2024-25 academic session, approximately ₹46 lakh in scholarships was awarded to 48 scholars from 18 NLUs.
• Since 2019, Project Eklavya has disbursed about ₹3 crore in scholarships, reaching students across 21 NLUs.
• The selection process is a two-tier system, with the 2024 edition committee headed by former Supreme Court Justice Indu Malhotra.
• The initiative aims to facilitate access to higher education for deserving students by providing annual scholarships.

Each year of the project reinforces the conviction that investing in legal studies can profoundly change lives and contribute to societal progress.

The Confederation of Alumni for National Law Universities (CAN) Foundation has unveiled the 7th Edition of Project Eklavya, a significant initiative designed to provide crucial financial assistance to undergraduate students enrolled in National Law Universities (NLUs) across India. This program embodies the CAN Foundation's commitment to fostering legal education by ensuring that promising individuals, despite facing economic disadvantages, can pursue their academic aspirations.

Through the provision of annual scholarships, Project Eklavya aims to dismantle financial barriers, thereby facilitating broader access to higher education within the legal field. This ongoing effort represents a vital component of CAN Foundation student support India, directly addressing the needs of deserving yet underprivileged law students.

The impact of Project Eklavya NLU scholarships has been substantial, demonstrating a widespread commitment to National Law University student aid. For the academic session spanning 2024-25, the Foundation allocated approximately ₹46 lakh in scholarships, directly benefiting 48 scholars. These recipients were drawn from 18 different National Law Universities across the country, highlighting the program's extensive geographical reach.

Over its seven-year tenure, from 2019 to 2025, the initiative has disbursed a cumulative sum of approximately ₹3 crore in scholarships. This considerable financial support has extended its reach to students across 21 NLUs, underscoring the consistent and growing influence of the CAN Foundation's philanthropic endeavors in legal education.

The selection of beneficiaries for Project Eklavya involves a meticulously structured two-tier process, ensuring that support is directed to those most deserving. Initially, applications undergo a thorough scrutiny by a panel of seasoned legal professionals, each possessing a minimum of a decade's experience at the Bar. These experts are responsible for shortlisting candidates who meet the established eligibility criteria.

Following this preliminary stage, a dedicated selection committee undertakes a comprehensive evaluation of the shortlisted individuals. This committee assesses candidates based on a dual criterion: their demonstrated financial needs and their academic merit, ultimately making the final decisions. Notably, the committee overseeing the 2024 edition of Project Eklavya was led by former Supreme Court Justice Indu Malhotra, lending significant gravitas to the selection process. The Foundation has also indicated that a former Supreme Court judge will chair the committee for the 2026 edition, maintaining this high standard of oversight.

The consistent expansion and success of the CAN Foundation Project Eklavya 7th Edition underscore a profound belief in the transformative potential of legal education. As articulated by CAN Foundation Chairman Sriram Parakkat, each year of the project reinforces the conviction that investing in legal studies can profoundly change lives and contribute to societal progress.

The cumulative disbursal of approximately ₹3 crore across 21 National Law Universities since 2019 stands as a testament to this enduring commitment. This initiative not only provides essential financial relief but also nurtures a new generation of legal professionals, ensuring that talent is not stifled by economic constraints. By offering robust National Law University student aid, the CAN Foundation plays a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of the Indian legal fraternity, empowering students to achieve their full potential.

This article details a philanthropic initiative supporting legal education in India. It does not present direct actionable implications for practicing lawyers or compliance officers in their professional duties, but offers insight into community efforts to nurture future legal talent.

Source: Information derived from recent reports.