Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the salient features of the revamped Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC);
(b) the number of countries included under this programme;
(c) the details of the funds likely to be sanctioned for this programme;
(d) whether the Government is planning/proposing to increase the number of scholarships; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) After a review of DPDC in 2015-16, it was revamped from academic year 2016-17 with the following highlights:
? The Scheme has been extended from 40 to 66 countries including 17 ECR countries.
? The number of scholarships has been increased from 100 to 150 with 50 slots earmarked for the Children of Indian Workers in ECR counties. Of these 50 slots, 1/3rd of slots are reserved for children of Indian workers in ECR countries studying in/outside India.
? Income criteria is raised from $2250 to $4000 applicable to all categories of students.
? Scholarship will be offered for pursuing courses in:
• Central Universities of India offering Under Graduate Courses;
• Institutions accredited “A” Grade by NAAC; and
• Institutions covered under DASA Scheme: National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) and other premier institutions.
? Information Technology, B.Sc (Nursing) and B.Pharma have been added to courses eligible for scholarships.
? As an e-governance mechanism, a portal spdcindia.gov.in has been developed to enable online application and processing.
(b) The number of countries included in this programme is 66.
(c) As per BE 2016-17 Rs.6 Cr is allocated for this programme.
(d) & (e) No.