Question : SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR STs

(a) whether the Government are considering to bring some changes in the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Tribes students;

(b) if so, the details of the proposed changes and the time by which these changes are likely to be implement;

(c) whether there is a proposal to increase the rate of scholarship;

(d) whether the Government will revise the minimum annual income criteria for beneficiary of scholarship for ST students;

(e) whether there will be periodical revision of these scholarship scheme by the Government;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the number of students likely to be benefited from this scheme in 2003-04?

MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS ( SHRI JUAL ORAM)

(a)to (d) Yes Sir. There is a proposal to modify the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship for ST students which inter-alia includes revision in the scholarship rate & minimum income limit also.

It is not possible to indicate a precise time frame for the implementation of these changes.

(e) & (f) No, Sir. There is no such proposal. However, the annual income ceiling is linked with the Consumer price Index for Industrial Workers and income ceiling is revised after two years.

(g) The number of students likely to be benefited from this scheme in 2003-04 is approx. 709 lakhs.