Did Over 2.22 Crore Students Receive Scholarships in the Last 5 Years?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 2.22 crore students received scholarships in five years.
- The schemes aim to support SC, ST, OBC, and minority students.
- Financial aid reduces the burden on economically weaker sections.
- Students can access education in prestigious institutions.
- Enhanced education fosters socio-economic mobility.
New Delhi, July 23 (NationPress) The Centre announced on Wednesday that within the last five years, more than 2.22 crore students benefited from scholarships under the Modi government's Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) Scheme and the Top-Class Education Scheme tailored for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students pursuing advanced education.
The PMS programs offer financial assistance from the Centre to help students from specific social groups, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities, who are advancing their studies after Class 10.
These initiatives aim to enhance the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education by providing essential financial support to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Additionally, the Top-Class Education Scheme for Scheduled Castes delivers financial aid to SC students continuing their education beyond Class 12 at selected elite institutions.
Through this scheme, the Centre strives to foster quality education among SC students by offering financial backing for their higher education.
According to the Union Minister for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, a total of 2,22,31,139 and 20,340 SC students benefitted from the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme and the Top-Class Education Scheme, respectively.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment highlights that the financial support provided through the PMS and Top-Class Education schemes has played a crucial role in enhancing the educational standards of Scheduled Caste students in higher education institutions across the nation.
This initiative not only alleviates the financial strain but also grants SC students access to quality education. By improving educational opportunities, these programs have promoted greater socio-economic mobility, improved career prospects, and addressed both economic and social challenges faced by SC communities.
Moreover, the Union Minister pointed out that SC students can pursue their higher education at various colleges, universities, and institutions, including IITs, IIMs, IIITs, AIIMS, NITs, NIFTs, NIDs, IHMs, NLUs, and others, allowing them to achieve remarkable success in their respective fields.