Question : NATIONAL OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR SC STUDENTS

(a) the overall progress made by the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes Students for higher studies abroad;

(b) whether there is wide disparity in the budgetary allocation made and utilisation of funds under the scheme

(c) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years and the reasons therefor;

(d) the reaction of the Government thereto;

(e) whether the scheme was not implemented during some of the years;

(f) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(g) whether out of the total candidates selected under this scheme from 1993-94 to 2004-05 only five were women; and

(h) if so, the reasons for such low and under representation of women in the scheme and the reaction of the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SMT. SUBBULAKSHMI JAGADEESAN)

(a) Under the Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship, a total of 114 candidates have been selected during the period from 1993-94 to 2005-2006.

(b), (c) & (d) The budget provision and allocation is as under:-

(Rs. in lakhs)
Year	Budget	Expenditure	% age	Allocation	utilization
2003-04	100.00	70.00	70
2004-05	100.00	90.00	90
2005-06	100.00	160.00	160