Question : POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR VJNT AND OBC

(a) whether the Government has started the implementation of Post-Matric scholarship scheme for Vimukta Jati-Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) and OBC students;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received any proposals from the State Governments including Maharashtra for sanctions/ release of Central assistance under Post-Matric scholarship for OBC students; and

(d) if so, the details thereof including the period since when such proposals are pending, the reasons therefor and the time by which the funds are likely to be released?

MINISTER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (KUMARI SELJA)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 53 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.11.2012

(a) & (b) The Government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post–Matric Scholarship (PMS) to the students belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). There is no separate Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Vimukta Jati-Nomadic Tribes (VJNT). However, VJNTs falling under State/Central List of OBCs are entitled to scholarships under the PMS-OBC Scheme.

(c) Yes, Madam.

(d) All the complete proposals received in a financial year are processed in accordance with the guidelines of the Scheme and the extant financial rules. Central assistance is released subject to availability of funds. Since the proposals received are for a particular financial year, all the complete proposals are processed during the same financial year.

The details of the proposals received and the release of funds to various States/ Union Territories under the PMS-OBC Scheme during the current financial year 2012-13 are at Annexure.