Rs 231.56 Cr released for scholarship to SC students

New Delhi, July 20 (UNI) The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has released more than Rs 231.56 crore for the centrally sponsored scheme of post matric scholarship to students belonging to Scheduled Castes during the current financial year.

The maximum central assistance of Rs. 50.98 crore under the scheme has been provided to Uttar Pradesh for covering more than five lakh SC students followed by West Bengal which has been released Rs 26.76 crore.

The scheme provides for financial assistance to such students belonging to Scheduled Castes who pursue studies in recognised post-matriculate courses in recognised institutions, including correspondence courses, within the country.

The financial assistance includes provision of maintenance allowance varying from Rs 740 to Rs 235 for hostelers and Rs 330 to Rs 140 for day-scholars per month.

The scholarship also provides for reimbursement of compulsory non-refundable fee, printing charges, study tour charges, book allowance for students for pursuing correspondence courses and special provisions for such students with disabilities who are covered under the scheme.

The students, the income of whose parents/guardians from all sources does not exceed Rs 1 lakh per annum are eligible for the scholarship. There are at present more than 25 lakh SC students belonging to Scheduled Castes who are receiving scholarship under the Scheme.

The scheme is implemented by State Governments and Union Territories, which receive 100 per cent central assistance from the Government over and above their respective committed liability which is borne by them.

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