Calcutta: The Bengal government has registered more than 32 lakh minority students under its scholarship schemes so far this year, up from 23 lakh last year.

Officials said the government was hopeful that the scholarships would help it in the panchayat polls next year.

According to the officials, about 14 lakh students had been registered under four schemes for minority students till September this year. The number of registrations picked up steam in the past two months apparently following a prod from the chief minister.

Sources said the officials of the minority affairs department jumped into action before the Pujas and rushed to the districts to hold meetings with the authorities there and ensure more students were registered under the schemes.

"Chief minister Mamata Banerjee believes that scholarships like these connect students and their families with the government and encourage them to continue studies. Until now, the figure has crossed the 32 lakh mark. This was possible after special camps were held in the districts before the Pujas," an official said.

Sources said the chief minister had repeatedly laid stress on securing government facilities for the people of Bengal since coming to power in 2011.

"Schemes like Khadya Sathi, Sabuj Sathi, Yuvashree and Kanyashree have helped the chief minister gain popularity. The government hopes the scholarship card will help it in the elections that lie ahead," said a source.

A minister said the officials of the minority affairs department had been asked to help the districts administration bring more and more students under the scholarship schemes.

Sources said the thrust on minority scholarships was encouraged by the success of the Kanyashree scheme, which has a beneficiary list of more than 42 lakh.

"Schemes like Kanyashree and Yuvashree have already given dividends to the ruling party.... The chief minister is trying to ensure a few lakh more beneficiaries of government schemes before the panchayat polls," said an official.

As of now, there are three Centre-funded schemes for minority students - pre-matric, post-matric and merit-cum-means for students in higher education institutes. About 30 lakh students from Bengal were registered under these schemes this year.

Besides, there is a state-funded scheme - state talent search - for minority students. More than 2 lakh students have been registered under the scheme so far.