PMS-SC Scholarship : 141.01 Crores & 1516.84 Distributed FY2023-24

26th September, 2023 New Delhi (PMS-SC Scholarship)– In a commendable effort to empower marginalized communities and ensure equitable access to education, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has been actively promoting two significant scholarship schemes: the Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others and the Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SC students (PMS-SC). These initiatives aim to uplift students from Scheduled Castes (SC) backgrounds by providing them with financial assistance to pursue their education. This article delves into the details of these schemes, recent changes, and their impact on education in India.

The Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others

Bridging the Educational Gap

The Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others is a crucial initiative aimed at promoting literacy and ensuring uninterrupted education at the pre-matric level for children belonging to Scheduled Castes and children of parents or guardians engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations. The scheme is divided into two components, each addressing specific educational needs.

Component 1: Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

• Eligible students should be studying in class IX and X on a full-time basis.
• They should belong to a Scheduled Caste.
• Their parent/guardian’s income should not exceed Rs. 2.50 lakh per annum.

Component 2: Pre-Matric Scholarship for Children of Parents/Guardians Engaged in Unclean and Hazardous Occupations

• The students should be studying in classes I to X on a full-time basis.
• Scholarship will be admissible to the children/wards of parents/guardians who, irrespective of their caste/religion, belong to one of the following categories: a. Persons who are Manual Scavengers as defined under section 2(I) (g) of Manual Scavengers Act 2013. b. Tanners & Flayers. c. Waste pickers. d. Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning as defined in Section 2(I) (d) of Manual Scavengers Act 2013.
• There is no family income ceiling under this component of the Scheme.

The Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SC Students (PMS-SC)

Unlocking Higher Education

The PMS-SC is another noteworthy endeavor by the government, designed to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste students pursuing higher education in India. To be eligible for this scholarship, the parent/guardian’s income should not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum. The primary objective is to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of SC students in higher education, particularly those from the poorest households. The government aims to raise the GER of SCs in higher education from 23.0% to the national average by FY2025-26.

Recent Changes in the PMS-SC Scholarship Schemes

To further strengthen the implementation of both the ‘Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others’ and ‘PMS-SC,’ several significant changes have been introduced. These changes are geared towards ensuring transparency, efficiency, and greater coverage:

• Funding Pattern: The funding pattern for both schemes has been revised to a fixed sharing pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and the State (90:10 in the case of NE states, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh, and 100:0 in the case of UT without legislature).
• Online Processing: An online end-to-end processing system has been introduced, enabling the verification of eligibility credentials through online transactions. This measure ensures greater transparency and helps control duplicity and wrongful claims by institutions.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Central share (maintenance allowance and non-refundable fees) is now being released directly to the students’ bank accounts ONLY through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), preferably through an Aadhaar-Based Payment System, after ensuring that the concerned State Government has released their share.
• Focus on Poorest Households: The schemes are now focused on providing support to the poorest households, aligning with the government’s commitment to uplift the most marginalized sections of society.

Achievements for PMS-SC Scholarship in FY2023-24

The impact of these schemes is tangible, with significant achievements in the fiscal year 2023-24:

• Under the Pre-matric Scholarships scheme for SC & Others, the Central share amounting to Rs. 141.01 Crores has been released to 6.25 lakh beneficiaries in their Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through DBT.
• Under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students, the Central share amounting to Rs. 1516.84 Crores has been released to 12.70 lakh beneficiaries in their Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through DBT.

Conclusion

The government’s Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others and the Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SC students (PMS-SC) stand as a testament to its commitment to inclusive and equitable education. These initiatives not only provide financial support to marginalized students but also pave the way for a brighter future. As these schemes continue to evolve and expand, they offer hope and opportunities for countless students across India.

For more information on these schemes and how to apply, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

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