MK Stalin Appeals to PM Modi for Increased Income Limit on SC/ST & OBC Scholarships
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Chennai, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the family income cap for post-matric and pre-matric scholarships designated for SC/ST and OBC students from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh.
In a correspondence to the Prime Minister on Tuesday (December 10), Stalin emphasized the pressing necessity to increase the annual family income limit for these scholarships, which is presently fixed at Rs 2.5 lakh by the Union Government.
He pointed out that the income threshold for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) has been updated to Rs 8 lakh.
Moreover, he highlighted that comparable initiatives such as the National Overseas Scholarship and the Top-Class Education Scheme for SC/ST students have implemented the Rs 8 lakh limit, which has been advantageous for many students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Stalin expressed in the letter: “I seek your favorable intervention in this issue to consider and raise the annual family income limit for post-matric and pre-matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh promptly.”
The Chief Minister also referenced the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report, which indicates a significantly lower Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for SC/ST and certain OBC groups compared to the general population.
He stressed the stark inequalities in enrolment statistics and underscored the necessity of enhancing higher education access for individuals within these communities.
Stalin asserted that offering post-matric and pre-matric scholarships would substantially boost the enrolment of SC/ST students in institutions of higher learning. In his perspective, raising the annual income limit for these scholarships from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh to align with EWS criteria is not only crucial but also entirely justified.
This initiative, he contended, is vital for ensuring fair access to education for historically marginalized groups.
