Question : RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP

(a) whether the Government provides assistance to SCs and OBCs students under the Central Sector Scheme of `Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship` for pursuing higher studies viz. M. Phil & Ph. D courses;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the funds released in this regard during each of the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether the Government is planning to extend such scholarships to the students pursuing Engineering, Medicines and Architecture courses; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA)

(a) & (b) Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Castes (RGNF-SCs) was launched during the financial year 2005-06. Any student belonging to SC category is eligible for the award of fellowship subject to provisions of the Scheme. The Scheme is implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and covers all Universities/Institution recognized by the UGC. The rates of fellowships for Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Senior Research Fellows (SRF) are at par with the UGC fellowships. Presently the Scheme provides for maximum number of 2000 fresh fellowships (Junior research fellows) per year.

Details of funds released to UGC under RGNF-SCs Scheme during the last three years and the current year are as under :-

 Selection/Financial Year	Funds released (Rs. in crore) 2011-12	103.69 2012-13	0.00 2013-14	24.50 2014-15 (upto 28.11.14)	98.00