(a) whether the Government schools are providing books and uniforms to poor students particularly to SC/ST students;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise along with the funds spent during the Eleventh and Twelfth Plan Period for the above purpose; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) : Yes, Madam.
(b) & (c): During 11th Plan period (upto 2009-10) under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), all girls and SC/ST children were provided free textbooks within a ceiling of ` 150 at the elementary level. After the implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 in 2010, the SSA norms were revised to provide textbooks to all children within a ceiling of ` 150/- at primary level and ` 250/- at upper primary level. Since 2010-11, SSA has supported States/UTs to provide two sets of uniforms to all girls, SC/ST and BPL boys within a ceiling of` 400/- per child per annum. The details of funds allocated for providing books and uniforms to poor students, including SC/ST students, State-wise, during 11th Plan and 12th Plan are at Annexure I and II, respectively.