Question : Ashram Schools

(a) the details of Centrally sponsored scheme "Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub-Plan" along with the number of Ashram Schools in the country for promotion of education among Scheduled Tribe boys and girls including primitive tribal groups, State/UT-wise including Rajasthan;
(b) whether the Union Government has received any proposal from various States for setting up more Ashram Schools in the country including Rajasthan during each of the last three years and the current year;
(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise along with the follow-up action taken thereon; and
(d) the funds sanctioned, released and utilized by the State Governments in this regard during the said period?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA)

(a): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements a “Centrally Sponsored Scheme Establishment of Ashram Schools in TSP Areas”. The objective of the scheme is to provide residential schools for STs in an environment conducive to learning to increase the literacy rate among the tribal students and to bring them at par with other population of the country. The scheme has been revised with effect from the financial year 2008-09. Under the revised scheme, State Governments are eligible for 100% central share for construction of all Girls’ Ashram Schools and also for construction of Boys’ Ashram Schools in naxal affected areas (identified by Ministry of Home Affairs from time to time). The funding pattern for the other Boys’ Ashram Schools is on 50:50 basis, while cent percent assistance is given to UTs for construction of both Girls and Boys’ Ashram Schools. The scheme covers primary, middle, secondary and senior secondary level of education. State/UT-wise number of Ashram Schools including Rajasthan is given in the Annexure I.
(b) to (c): The State/UT Administration assess their requirement of Ashram Schools and submit proposals accordingly. The Ministry considers the proposals through Project Appraisal Committee headed by Secretary in the Ministry with representatives of the State Government./UT Administration, which apprises and approves the proposals within available resources.
(d): The details of fund releases for financial years 2012-13 to 2015-16 is given in the Annexure II.