How can SC/ST scholarships be expanded? , Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Union government is considering revising the parental income limit for SC/ST scholarships from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs proposes raising the income limit to ₹4.5 lakh for ST scholarships.
• Discussions are underway to revise income limits for SC, OBC, and DNT scholarships as well.
• Scholarship schemes are centrally sponsored, funded by the Union and State governments at a 60:40 ratio, except in Northeast states (90:10).
• There has been a decline in the number of beneficiaries for both pre-matric and post-matric scholarships across various socio-economic groups from 2020-21 to 2024-25.

Detailed Insights:

• Post-matric scholarships are for students after 10th grade, while pre-matric scholarships are mainly for grades IX and X, but for SCs it is available from grades 1 to X under specific conditions.
• Centrally sponsored scholarship schemes constitute a significant portion of the budget allocation for both the Social Justice Department (66.7% in FY 2025-26) and the Tribal Affairs Ministry (18.6% in FY 2025-26).
• Parliamentary Committees have recommended a "suitable rise" in the income limit for OBC scholarships and suggested extending pre-matric scholarships to students from Class V onwards.
• House panels have emphasized the importance of revising parental income limits to extend scholarship coverage to more beneficiaries in need, as the existing limit is considered too low.
• The decline in beneficiaries highlights the need to re-evaluate eligibility criteria and scholarship structures to ensure effective outreach and support to marginalized students.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: A scheme funded by both the Union and State governments.
• Pre-Matric Scholarship: Financial aid provided to students before completing their secondary education (Class X).
• Post-Matric Scholarship: Financial aid provided to students after completing their secondary education (Class X).