Introduction of new Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for needy Scheduled Tribe Students, Studying in Classes IX & X
Students belonging to ST category and whose families do not belong to the creamy layer (annual income < 2LPA) will be benefited by the new scheme. Central Assistance under the Scheme would include scholarship and other grants, the details of which are as follows:
| Item | Day scholar student | Hostellers |
| Scholarship for 10 months (Rs.Per Month) | 150 | 350 |
| Books and Ad hoc Grant (Rs.Per Annum) | 750 | 1000 |
The scheme will be in effect from July 1, 2012 (though the move has been approved on September 6, 2012; the implementation has been applied from this date). Approximately 22 lakh students are calculated to benefit under this.
The Centrally sponsored scheme will aim at checking the high dropout rates of needy ST students post elementary school. It will cost the government around Rs 2695.46 crores during the entire five years plan (XIIth five year plan). The financial requirement for this year is Rs.472 crore. A provision of Rs. 86 crore has already been made in the current year`s budget.
ST students with disabilities will be given additional allowances to those students who are studying in private unaided recognized schools.
