According to recent disclosures by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the financial allocation for the fiscal year 2022-23 revealed significant figures. The Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme saw an allocation of Rs 207.93 crore, while the Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SC students received a substantial amount of Rs 4392.50 crore.

The scheme for Post and Pre Matric Scholarships stands as a vital avenue supporting education for SC students across India. This centrally sponsored initiative is specifically tailored for students whose parents' or guardians' annual income doesn't surpass Rs. 2.5 lakh.

In terms of beneficiaries, statistics indicate that 11.34 lakh candidates benefited from the pre-matric scholarships, whereas a notable 46.41 lakh students were recipients of the post-matric scholarships.

An intriguing observation emerges from the funding trend over the past three years. Under the Pre-Matric Scholarships scheme, funding decreased progressively from Rs 599.71 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 570.18 crore in 2021-22, further decreasing to Rs 207.93 crore in 2022-23. Conversely, the Post-Matric Scholarships scheme followed a different trajectory, experiencing a drop from Rs 4008.60 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 1930.38 crore in 2021-22, but remarkably rising to Rs 4392.50 crore in 2022-23.

Central to these scholarship schemes is the direct transfer of the Central share into beneficiaries' accounts utilizing the Aadhar Based Payment System (APBS). This method ensures seamless and transparent disbursement of scholarship funds, contributing significantly to students' educational pursuits.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment A Narayanaswamy provided this comprehensive data in response to queries in Lok Sabha, highlighting the government's commitment to fostering education among SC students through these pivotal scholarship schemes.

News Source: The Indian Express