How can SC/ST scholarships be expanded?
Subject: Social Issues / Education / Welfare Schemes
Why in News?
Government reviewing eligibility criteria for centrally sponsored pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for marginalised groups for the next financial cycle (FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31).
Current vs Proposed Income Limits
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Present limit: ₹2.5 lakh/year parental income (all categories).
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Proposed changes:
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ST Scholarships (Ministry of Tribal Affairs) → Raise to ₹4.5 lakh.
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SC, OBC, DNT Scholarships (Ministry of Social Justice) → Increase under discussion.
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About These Scholarships (Prelims Angle)
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Type: Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) – joint Union-State funding.
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Funding Ratio:
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General: 60:40 (Union:States).
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NE & Himalayan States: 90:10.
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1. Post-Matric Scholarships (PMS):
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For Indian nationals studying after Class X.
2. Pre-Matric Scholarships (Pre-MS):
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For Classes IX–X (general).
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For SCs: From Class I–X if parents in “unclean or hazardous” occupations.
Eligibility: Parental income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year.
Budgetary Allocation (FY 2025–26)
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Social Justice Ministry: ₹13,611 crore → 66.7% for CSS (SC, OBC, EBC, DNT).
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Tribal Affairs Ministry: ₹14,925.81 crore → 18.6% for CSS (STs).
Beneficiary Trends (Trend is more important than numbers)
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Overall: Decline in beneficiaries across all groups.
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SC Pre-MS ↓ 30.63% (2020–21 → 2024–25).
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SC PMS ↓ 4.22%.
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OBC/EBC/DNT Pre-MS ↓ from 58.62 lakh (2021–22) → 20.25 lakh (2023–24).
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OBC/EBC/DNT PMS ↓ from 43.34 lakh → 38.42 lakh.
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ST Pre-MS ↓ 4.63 lakh; ST PMS ↓ 3.52 lakh.
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Parliamentary Recommendations
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OBC Welfare Committee:
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Double income limit for OBC Pre-MS & PMS.
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Start OBC Pre-MS from Class V (currently IX–X).
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Tribal Affairs & Social Justice Panels:
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Revise parental income limits for STs.
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Common Observation:
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Income cap too low → excludes deserving students.
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Higher limits = wider coverage & better retention in education.
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