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.
