CCEA approves Post Metric Scholarhsip Scheme with modfications

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today gave its approval for continuation in the Eleventh Plan of the Centrally sponsored scheme of Post-Metric Scholarship belonging to Scheduled Castes, bringing under its ambit 'free seats' in private colleges.

Briefing newspersons on the outcome of the CCEA meeting, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the anticipated expenditure relating to the scheme will be of the order of Rs.5000 crore during the Eleventh five-year plan period (2007-08 to 2011-12).

He said in case of professional courses it was available to only those students admitted against 'free seats' whether in government or private institutions.

In case of private institutions where admission was only on the basis of 12th standard examination marks, there shall be a bench mark of 60 per cent for availing the scholarship.

Mr Chidambaram said the CCEA also approved the enhancement of Tenth Five Year Plan outlay from Rs.1,558 crore to Rs.1,822.45 crore.

The Scheme was an open-ended one. All the SC students, whose parents annual income did not exceed Rs one lakh, will be benefitted, Mr Chdamabarm added.

UNI