Question : SCHOLARSHIPS TO SCHEDULED TRIBES STUDENTS

(a) the amount of pre-matric, matric and post-matric scholarship being provided to the Scheduled Tribes students during the each of the last three years and the date since when this provision has been in practice;

(b) whether the existing provisions have been reviewed in view of the current trend of price rise;

(c) if so, whether the Government proposes to enhance the amount of scholarships;

(d) If so, the basis of enhancement of amount and the revised amount of scholarship is likely to be fixed;

(e) If not, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the share of the Centre as well as the State fixed under the new provisions?

MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS ( SHRI P. R. KTODIAH)

(a): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs administers a scheme of scholarships only for post matric studies pursued by Scheduled Tribe students. The amount released for post matric scholarships (PMS) during the last three years was Rs.10137.71 lakh (2004-05), Rs. 21018.09 lakh (2005-06) and Rs. 25503.409 lakh (2006-07).

(b) (c) (d) & (e): The rates of post-matric scholarship and income ceiling for eligibility are reviewed from time to time. The upward revision of the income ceiling, fixed on the basis of the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers, from its present level of Rs. 1,00,000/- per annum is under consideration.

(f): The scheme is implemented by the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, which have a committed liability to meet part of the cost. The Government of India gives 100% central assistance over and above this committed liability. The level of committed liability of respective State Governments/Union Territory Administrations is equivalent to the level of actual expenditure incurred by them under the scheme during the terminal year of the last Five Year Plan. As far as the North Eastern States are concerned, the Government of India meets the entire costs of the PMS.