In a move that will make more Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Community (OBC) students eligible for scholarship schemes, the Delhi Government is planning to raise the limit of annual family income to Rs 3 lakh from Rs 2 lakh.
There are seven schemes for students which come under the Department of SC/ST/OBC Welfare of the Delhi Government.
“These days, even a Class-IV employee is earning Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh per annum, so if the minimum limit is increased then there will be chances for all who come under the economically weaker section,” said AK Srivastva, Joint Director of SC/ST/OBC department told The Pioneer.
However, when asked about pendency of around 6,000 applications from 2015 with the department under various scholarship schemes, he said the pendency was due to working procedure as in 2015 it was through offline mode which takes a lot time in the paper work. “Many a time, students also fill the application and do not fulfil the further procedure which is also one of the main reasons for pendency. However, to tackle such issue, we have started online process in 2016,” he added.
Nearly 13 lakh students are benefitting from the various scholarships provided by the Department of SC/ST Welfare.
Moreover, the Delhi Government is also planning to launch a 'ladla Scheme” like the ladli scheme (meant only girls) for the boys coming from weaker section. Funds for the new scheme will be diverted from the stationery funds provided to the SC/ST/OBC and minorities students.
“Stationery fees for the students are provided by many such as Directorate of education, school and other schemes which provide financial assistance to the students to buy stationery materials. So, if we save one part amount for the boys, it will be helpful in future for their higher studies,” said Srivastava.
Rs 1000 is given to the students up to Class VII and Rs 2000 for Class 1X to XII yearly to purchase stationery things.
The plan for the upgradation of family income and the proposal of new “ladla scheme” for the boys after 12th has been sent to the Cabinet for approval.