Introduction of new Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for needy Scheduled Tribe Students, Studying in Classes IX & X.

   The Union Cabinet has approved a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, studying in Class IX & X.  The decision will go a long way in improving participation of ST students enrolled full time in secondary education in Government schools or in a school recognised by Government or a Central/State Board of Secondary Education, whose parents` annual income does not exceed Rs two lakh. The Scheme will help in minimizing the incidence of dropout, especially in transition from the elementary to secondary stage of education.

     About 22 lakh ST students are estimated to be covered under the Scheme every year during the XII Five year Plan. The Scheme which will be introduced w.e.f. 1.7.2012 will be implemented through State Governments and Union Territory Administration. The implementing agencies will receive 100 percent Central assistance from the Government of India for expenditure under the Scheme over and above their committed liability.

Proof of Identity during Train Journey.

   With a view to reduce chances of misuse of reservation system by unscrupulous elements, it has been prescribed that passengers have to produce original proof of identity during the journey in the following cases:

   1.    For e-tickets, any one of the passengers booked on the ticket has to produce any one of the prescribed proofs of identity in original.

   2.    For Tatkal tickets, the original proof of identity as indicated on the ticket.

Service Charge on Booking of E-Tickets.

   The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) doe not levy any charges on cancellation of e-tickets on account of non-confirmation. A nominal service charge of Rs. 10/- per PNR for e-ticket issued for Sleeper & reserved Second Sitting (2S) and Rs. 20/- per PNR for e-tickets in other classes is charged. The service charge realized is used to meet Administrative cost, Maintenance cost of IT hardware and software, technical manpower costs of service providers, recurring expenditure like rent, electricity charges, internet bandwidth charges, cost for investments in capacity enhancement and also replacement of obsolete IT equipments etc.