Introduction of new Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for needy Scheduled Tribe Students, Studying in Classes IX & X

Introduction of new Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for needy Scheduled Tribe Students, Studying in Classes IX & X

The Union Cabinet has approved a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, studying in Class IX & X.  The decision will go a long way in improving participation of ST students enrolled full time in secondary education in Government schools or in a school recognised by Government or a Central/State Board of Secondary Education, whose parents' annual income does not exceed Rs two lakh. The Scheme will help in minimizing the incidence of dropout, especially in transition from the elementary to secondary stage of education.

About 22 lakh ST students are estimated to be covered under the Scheme every year during the XII Five year Plan. The Scheme which will be introduced w.e.f. 1.7.2012 will be implemented through State Governments and Union Territory Administration. The implementing agencies will receive 100 percent Central assistance from the Government of India for expenditure under the Scheme over and above their committed liability.

Central Assistance under the Scheme would include scholarship and other grants, the details of which are as follows:

Item	Day scholar student	Hostellers
Scholarship for 10 months (Rs.Per Month)	150	350
Books and Ad hoc Grant (Rs.Per Annum)	750	1000

Additional allowances for ST students with disabilities will be given to those students who are studying in private unaided recognized schools.

The total fund requirement during  XII   Five   Year   Plan period   has   been estimated to be Rs. 2695.46 crore. The financial requirement for this year is Rs.472 crore.  A provision of Rs. 86 crore has already been made in the current year's budget.

PIB