Cabinet nod to Central scholarship for SC/ST students

New Delhi, May 31 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today approved a new Central Sector Scholarship Scheme of top class education that will benefit more than 23,000 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students over the next five years.

The scheme, to be implemented from 2007-08, will cover students beyond 12th class whose total family income from all sources does not exceed Rs 2 lakh per annum, Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters.

The scholarship will meet the requirements for full tuition fee and other non-refundable dues in respect of Government and Government-funded institutions.

However, there will be a ceiling of Rs 2 lakh per annum per student for private sector institutions and Rs 3.72 lakh per annum per student for the private sector flying clubs for commercial pilot training.

Living expenses will be provided at Rs 2,220 per month per student subject to actuals, books and stationery at Rs 3,000 per annum per student, and full cost of a latest computer along with accessories limited to Rs 45,000 as one time assistance during the course.

The scheme is likely to benefit 1,220 SC and 635 ST students in the first year and 15,370 SC and 7,910 ST students during the first five years period of its operation, Mr Chidambaram said.

UNI