Question : ASHRAM SCHOOLS FOR TRIBAL GIRLS

(a) whether the Government proposes a scheme to open new Ashram Schools for tribal girl students throughout the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with proposals received from various States/UTs including Rajasthan for the purpose and funds released thereunder;

(c) whether the Government proposes to open more such schools during the 12th Five Year Plan and if so, the details thereof State/UT/location-wise including Rajasthan;

(d) whether Government implements National Overseas Scholarship scheme for scheduled tribes; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the performance of the scheme along with the number of students benefited therefrom during each of the last three years and current year?

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

(a): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub Plan Areas for construction of Ashram Schools for tribal boys and girls students throughout the country.

(b): Under the Scheme, 100% central assistance is provided only for construction cost to State Governments /UT Administrations of all ST girls ashram schools. Running and maintenance of the schools is solely the responsibility of the concerned State Government/UT Administration. The scheme is demand driven and need based and funds are released on the basis of receipt of complete proposals including utilization certificates and progress report of funds released earlier from the State Governments/UT Administration and subject to availability of funds under the scheme. The details of funds released to State Government/UT Administration including Rajasthan under the scheme during the last three year and current year is at Annexure.


(c): Since the scheme is need based and demand driven, the opening of more Ashram Schools during the 12th Five Year Plan depends upon the needs and requirements of State Governments/UT Administrations in Tribal Sub-Plan Areas and availability of funds with the Ministry. The requirement of an Ashram School at a particular location is decided by the concerned State/UT.

(d): Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements a scheme namely National Overseas Scholarship scheme for scheduled tribes through the Ministry of External Affairs.

(e): Scheme provides financial assistance to selected students to pursue Post-Graduation, Ph. D and Post-Doctoral studies abroad. There are 17 awards to Scheduled Tribe students and three to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group students. The selected students are given cost of tuition and other educational fees charged by the foreign university etc, maintenance and other grants along with travel expenses. Grants are released through the Indian Mission. The selection is subject to certain criteria laid down in the scheme guidelines.

Details of grants-in-aid released and number of students during the last three years and current year is follows:

 
 Financial Year	Funds Released	No. of Selected Candidates	(Rs. In Lakhs) 
 2011-12	78.31	7 2012-13	100.00	13 2013-14	68.00	Selection under process 2014-15	0.00	Selection under process