Question : UTILIZATION OF FUNDS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

(a) whether all the State Governments have utilized the funds sanctioned by the Union Government for the educational purposes of Scheduled Tribe (ST) students properly;

(b) if so, the details of funds allocated and utilized during each of the last three years till date, State-wise;

(c) whether the Union Government has received any complaints about the non-payment of hostels fees and other fees to ST students, who are pursuing education;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Union Government in this regard;

(e) if not, the reasons therefor;

(f) whether absence of proper grievance mechanism has proved as deterrent to lodging of complaints; and

(g) if so, the details thereof and reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (DR. TUSHAR A. CHAUDHARY)

(a) & (b) Releasing of funds to State Governments and utilization thereof is an on-going process. The Ministry releases the funds under the following schemes to State Governments for educational proposes:-

(i) Post Matric Scholarship for ST students

(ii) Hostels for ST girls and boys

(iii) Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub Plan Areas.

(iv) Upgradation of Merit of ST students.

As per the provisions, the utilization certificates of non-recurring grant become due after 18 months and for recurring grant after 12 months. The grants-in-aid released under these schemes during last three years and amount utilized by State Governments as reported till date is at Annexure-I.

Apart from this Ministry also administers a scheme called grant under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution of India for raising the level of administration in Scheduled areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. Under this scheme grant is also used for setting up of “Eklavaya Model Residential Schools” for providing quality education to ST students from class VI to XII. The grant-in-aid released to State Governments under this scheme and cumulative unspent balances with State Governments during the last three years and till date are at Annexure-2.

(c) No, Madam

(d) & (e) Do not arise.

(f) No, Madam

(g) Does not arise.