By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
New Delhi: A total of 15 lakh students can benefit in the next 5 years under a scheme that was approved today by the Government of India.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for a 100% Centrally sponsored Scheme of Post-matric scholarship for students belonging to the minority communities.
The scheme will be launched from the currenct financial year and will exist for the XIth Five Year Plan (2007-2012). A total of Rs. 1530 have been marked for five years for funding this scholarship.
To be given to students from the minority communities, it will be based on merit plus means of the student. Any minority student studying in India, in Government or private higher secondary schools, colleges, or universities is eligible. Private institutes need to be recognized by the State or the Central Government.
The scheme to be implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs will provide funds for students to pursue higher education and technical & vocations courses. The goal is to make the students more employable. Hopefully this will help lift the economic conditions of minorities especially Muslims who have shown to be most backward community in India in recent surveys.