(a) whether it has come to the notice of the Government that even basic facilities are not available in several hostels for Scheduled Castes in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(c) the corrective steps taken by the Government to provide adequate facilities for Scheduled Caste students in these hostels?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA)
(a) to (c): Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, provides financial assistance under the Scheme, namely, ‘Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY)’ to the eligible implementing agencies for construction of hostel buildings/ expansion of the existing hostel facilities. In addition, one-time grant of Rs. 2500/- per student is provided for making provision of a cot, a table and a chair for each student.
As per the provisions of the Scheme, the expenditure on maintenance of the hostel has to be borne by the implementing agencies concerned from their own funds.
Certain suggestions for providing adequate facilities in the hostels and proper maintenance thereof, have been received. Since the maintenance and management of hostels is the responsibility of State Government/UT Administrations, they are responsible for the maintenance.