Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students to Continue: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale

Swift Summary

• The post-matric scholarship scheme for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled tribes (ST) students is open-ended and demand-driven.
• Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated that there is no proposal to discontinue the scheme.
• The objective of the schemes is to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of SC/ST students in higher education.
• Funding patterns for the scholarships are as follows:

– For SC students: 60:40 sharing between Center and States/UTs, except north-Eastern States where it is 90:10.
– For ST students: 75:25 sharing between Centre and States/UTs.

• Scholarships are paid directly into students’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer in a single installment, with States/UT administrations contributing their share.

Indian Opinion Analysis

the continuation of this scholarship program underscores a commitment to promoting educational equity among SC/ST communities by addressing barriers in accessing higher education. Its demand-driven nature ensures adaptability based on need, aligning with India’s broader goal of enhancing inclusivity.the decentralized funding pattern reflects an effort to balance obligation between Central and State governments while adapting proportionally for regions like North-East India.

Direct Benefit Transfers signify improved governance by reducing intermediaries, expediting fund delivery, and ensuring clarity. Though, accomplished implementation requires vigilance from all stakeholders-including monitoring mechanisms at State levels-to ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries effectively. In the long term, these measures could contribute considerably to improving GER among disadvantaged groups if sustained properly.

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