(a) whether the Government has launched “Ishan Uday” Scheme for meritorious students from North-East belonging to lower economic strata;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the key features of the scheme;
(c) the total amount allocated to this scheme;
(d) whether the Government proposes to launch another such type of scheme for geographically disturbed areas of the country like the desert region of Rajasthan; and
(e) if so, the details thereof, and if not, reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) to (c): Yes, Madam. Under the initiative of Ishan Uday, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved, in its meeting held on 13th June, 2014, a special scholarship scheme for North Eastern Region from the academic year 2014-15 onwards. The scheme has 10,000 slots for fresh scholarships every year for students from North Eastern Region whose parental income is below Rs. 4.5 lakhs per annum. The scholarships amount under the scheme range from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 5,000 per month for studying in general degree courses, technical and professional courses including medical and para-medical courses at under graduate level in College/Universities of the country.
The UGC is competent to issue the guidelines and advertisement including allocations for the scholarship scheme.
(d): There is no such proposal.
(e): Does not arise.