Centre Clarifies: Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students to Continue

Quick Summary

• The Center affirmed that the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme for Scheduled Tribe (ST) and scheduled Caste (SC) students will continue beyond 2025-26, dismissing concerns about its discontinuation.
• Objective: to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of SC and ST students in higher education, as stated by Minister of state for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale.
• implementation framework:

– Approved funding arrangements valid from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26.
– For SC Students:
– cost-sharing ratio is 60:40 between Centre and States.
– North-Eastern States have a special ratio of 90:10.
– Central funds are sent directly to students’ Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts via National Scholarship Portal after States pay their share.
– For ST Students:
– Cost-sharing ratio is set at 75:25 between Centre and States.- Funds are distributed thru Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in one instalment after contributions from both parties.

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Indian opinion Analysis

The Centre’s assurance of continued support for the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme reflects its commitment towards improving access to higher education for marginalized groups such as SCs and STs. With funding arrangements fixed until FY 2025-26, clarity on long-term sustainability could further bolster the confidence of stakeholders relying on this scheme.

The differences in cost-sharing ratios highlight efforts tailored towards regional socioeconomic contexts-such as, offering greater financial aid to North-Eastern states recognizes their unique developmental needs. The transparency introduced by Aadhaar-linked bank transfers demonstrates an attempt at ensuring better accountability in scholarship disbursements but may require periodic reviews to address accessibility challenges.Ensuring uninterrupted implementation beyond current budget cycles could serve India’s broader goals of social equity within education while contributing positively toward GER targets among disadvantaged communities.