Question : National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme

(a) whether the Government proposes to extend National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship scheme (NMMSS);
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) the details of the criteria fixed for selection of students for this scheme in the country;
(d) the details of funds allocated for extended period of NMMSS along with the details of funds released and utilized during the term of the scheme, State-wise particularly in Maharashtra; and
(e) the number of scholarships given under the scheme till 2020-21 along with the expenditure incurred thereon in various States particularly in Maharashtra and Odisha?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

(SMT. ANNPURNA DEVI)

(a) & (b): The Central Sector Scheme ‘National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme(NMMSS)’ was launched in 2008 with the objective to award scholarships to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to arrest their drop out at class VIII and encourage them to continue their studies at secondary stage. It is an on-going scheme. Scholarship amount is @ ? 12,000/- per annum per eligible student from class IX to XII. The scheme has been approved for continuation for a further period of 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with the approval of Cabinet at a total outlay of ?1827.00 crores.
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(c): The details of the criteria fixed for selection of students under the NMMSS are enclosed at Annexure-I.
(d) & (e): (i) A total amount of ?1827.00 crores has been allocated for NMMSS from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
(ii) The statement showing State/UT-wise and year-wise number of scholarships awarded and funds sanctioned under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme from financial year 2008-09 to 2020-21 are enclosed at Annexure-II.
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