(a) whether the Government has launched a free Nursing Education Scheme/programme for the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the funds sanctioned by the Government for the said scheme/programme and the number of students benefited there under, State/UT-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)
(a) to (c): Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has not launched such a scheme. However, under the centrally sponsored Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students (PMS-SC), Nursing is included as one of the courses for availing Scholarship. PMS-SC is implemented by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations which are given admissible central assistance. Nevertheless, separate State/Union Territory wise data with regard to number of students having received scholarship during a financial year for Nursing Course under PMS-SC is not centrally maintained.