Andalib Akhter, Journalist
Keeping its promise to share the fruit of development with all section of society, the UPA government at centre on Wednesday generously approved a handsome amount for the educational upliftement of minorities in the country.
The government announcement to provide 25 lakh pre-matric scholarships to the students from minority communities has not only brought a ray of hope among the young students from these communities but also rekindled optimism among the parents who were unable to send their children to schools due financial and other problems.
The pre-matric scholarship scheme for students from minority communities was formulated by the ministry of minority affairs and is unanimously approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). Rs 1,868.50 crore during the 11th Five-Year Plan had been approved for the scheme. Out of this, an amount of Rs.1408.40 crore will be borne by Centre whereas Rs.460.10 crore will be shared by the States. Union Territories would be provided 100 per cent Central assistance.
The scheme, to be launched this fiscal year, would enable 25 lakh students from these communities to pursue education from Class 1 to Class X in government and private institutions, including residential institutes and eligible private ones notified in a transparent manner by state governments and UTs.
Thirty per cent of the scholarships will be earmarked for girl students of each minority community in a state or UT and will be transferable to boy students only if eligible girl students are unavailable.
The minorities constitute 18.4 per cent of national population in which Muslim constitute 13.4 per cent Christian 2.3 percent Sikhs 1.9 per cent Buddhists 0.8 per cent and Parsees 0.07 per cent. Among them Muslims are most backwards both economically and educationally. The Sachar Committee appointed by the Prime minister in it s report revealed that Muslims have been experiencing educational deprivation. From lower level of enrolment to a sharp decline in participation in higher levels of education the situation of Indian Muslims is indeed very depressing as compared to most other section of society. The problem is more acute for girls.
As many as 25 percent of Muslim children in the age group 6-14 have either never attended school or have dropped out.
Financial condition of Muslims is among the top reason for the educational backwardness of the community.
Though the article 21 A of the constitution clearly advise the state to provide free and compulsory education to all children of age six to fourteen years, however various government were not able keep its commitment toward the children. Now, when the present government has come forward to educate the children with various measures, it should be welcomed by one and all.
The government must ensure that its latest announcement should not remained confined in the files of Babus as lakhs of innocent poor children are looking hopefully towards the scheme to get educated and see them as decent citizens.
Indian economy is moving on fast track with varies sectors contributing to the development of the economy. It will not only continue to sustain its growth, it may surpass even the developed countries. In such a scenario if any section of society in the country remains illiterate, we will not be able to claim a true developed nation.