Question : SCHOLARSHIP TO SC AND OBC STUDENTS

(a) the amount disbursed on scholarships given to students of SC and OBC category for school level, higher studies and technical education under various schemes during each of the last three years and the current year, State and scheme-wise;

(b) the criteria adopted by the Government for selection of students under these scholarships Schemes;

(c) the details of proposal received from various State Governments under these scholarships schemes during each of the last three years and the current year, State and scheme-wise;

(d) the details of proposals cleared/still pending with the Government along with the reasons for their pendency, State and scheme-wise; and

(e) the time by which all the pending proposals are likely to be cleared?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI P. BALRAM NAIK)

(a) Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is implementing following schemes through State Governments/UT Administrations, wherein scholarship is given to students of SC and OBC category for school level, higher studies and technical education:-

1. Post-matric Scholarship (PMS) Scheme for SC students,

2. Pre-matric Scholarship to the Children of those engaged in `unclean` occupations (both for SCs and non-SCs),

3. Pre-martic Scholarship for Scheduled Castes students studying in Classes IX & X (new Scheme implemented with effect from 1.07.2012),

4. Post-matric Scholarships for Other Backward Classes (OBCs),

5. Pre-matric Scholarships for Other Backward Classes (OBCs),

The details of funds released during the last three years and the current year, under these schemes are at Annexure 1 to V

(b) The main criteria adopted by the Government for selection of students under these Scholarship Schemes is at Annexure-VI.

(c) to (e) Central assistance is released under above Schemes every year, based on receipt of proposals, complete in all respects from State Governments/UT administration. Release of Central assistance is also subject to availability of adequate budgetary provisions under the relevant scheme.

Since these proposals are for a particular financial year, all the complete proposals are processed during the same year.