Question : SCHOLARSHIP TO ST STUDENTS

(a) the number of students belonging to Scheduled Tribe category provided scholarships during the last two years, State-wise;

(b) whether the scholarships have been given to the students living below the poverty line;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to introduce new scholarship scheme for research scholars of Scheduled Tribe;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether Government is aware that crores of rupees of scholarship is being embezzled every year by false registration of students in certain States; (g) if so, the States where such cases have come to light during the last three years; and (h) the action taken against guilty persons ?

MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (P. R. KYNDIAH)

(a) The State-wise number of students belonging to STs provided scholarships under the `Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) Scheme for STs` of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, during the last two years is given at Annexure I.

(b) 8c (c) As per the PMS Scheme, those students were eligible for the Post Matric Scholarship (during the aforesaid years) whose parents`/guardians` income from all sources was up to Rs. 1.00 lakh per annum.

(d) & (e) During the current financial year the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched a new Central Sector Scheme called `Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship` Scheme for ST students to ~ -: enable them to pursue higher studies leading to M.Phil and Ph.D. The scheme covers all Universities/Institutions recognized by the University Grant Commission (UGC) under section2 (f) of the UGC Act. The scheme is implemented though UGC, and the beneficiaries are entitled to get fellowship on UGC pattern.

(f) to (h) It is not true that every year crores of rupees of Scholarship are being embezzled. However, during the last three years one case of false registration of students in the State of Andhra Pradesh during 2002-03 has been brought to the notice of Government. The Andhra Pradesh State Govt. has constituted a Committee to enquire into the matter. Based on the findings of the Enquiry Report action was taken against guilty officials i.e. suspension/dismissal/attachment of properties/freezing of Bank Accounts.