New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) Two-and-a-half million schoolchildren from India’s minority communities will get scholarships for the next five years, with a cabinet panel Wednesday earmarking more than Rs.18 billion for this.
The decision of the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) would benefit students of Class I to X studying in government or aided private schools. Thirty percent of the scholarships have been earmarked for girl students.
Briefing reporters after the CCEA meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said the government would provide over Rs.14.08 billion for the scheme, with the states contributing the balance Rs.4 billion. Union Territories would get 100 percent financial assistance.
Under the scholarship, “the maximum ceiling of tuition fee entitlement would be Rs.350 per month, subject to actuals”, Chidambaram explained.
“The rates of maintenance allowance would be Rs.600 per month for hostellers from class VI onwards, subject to actuals and Rs.100 per month for day-scholars from class I onwards. Admission fee from class VI onwards would be Rs.500 per annum subject to actuals,” the minister added.
The scholarships are yet another step taken by the government after the Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee recommended pro-active measures for the economic and socio-educational empowerment of minorities in the country.
The government has also identified 90 districts across the country with a concentration of the minorities and has initiated moves to upgrade the basic infrastructure in these areas.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) was quick to welcome the new scholarships.
“The government is serious about the welfare of minority community from the day one. The scholarships are a pointer to the centre’s commitment to the all round development of minorities,” board member Kamal Farooqui told IANS.