The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) recently made a significant announcement regarding the advancement of the Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes (PMS-SC). With an aim to equalise the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education with national standards within five years, the government aims to substantially uplift the educational scenario for Scheduled Caste students. The GER, which represents the percentage of students enrolled at a certain level of education irrespective of their age, is currently 26.3% in higher education. The Central Assistance plans to raise its financial backing from about Rs. 1100 crore per year during 2017-18 to 2019-20 to approximately Rs. 6000 crore annually between 2020-21 to 2025-26.
Understanding the Post-Matric Scholarship
The Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes (PMS-SC) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented through State governments and Union Territory administrations. It offers financial backing to Scheduled Caste students enrolled at the post matriculation or post-secondary stage, helping them fulfil their educational ambitions. The scholarships, available only for studies within India, are awarded by the respective state or union territory where the applicant resides permanently. The fundamental principles of the plan revolve around enrolling the poorest students, ensuring timely payments, ensuring comprehensive accountability, continuous monitoring, and maintaining absolute transparency.
Income Threshold for Scholarship
The scholarship scheme is designed to aid students from low-income families. It is allocated to students whose parents or guardians earn a combined income of not more than Rs. 2,50,000 per annum from all sources.
Key Changes Introduced
Several noteworthy changes have been introduced including:
– An enrolment campaign aimed at integrating the students from the poorest households who have passed the 10th standard into higher education.
– The development of a secure online platform with robust cybersecurity measures that ensures transparency, accountability, efficiency, and timely aid distribution.
– Implementing a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode of transferring financial assistance, preferably using the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System.
– A new funding pattern has been adopted, involving increased participation from the Central government.
Modification in Funding Pattern
The Cabinet approved an investment of Rs. 59,048 crore employing a new funding pattern where the Centre and States contribute in a 60-40 ratio, respectively. From 2021-22 onwards, the Central share will be released only after the concerned State Government has issued their portion.
Enhanced Monitoring Mechanisms
To reinforce the effectiveness of the scheme, stronger monitoring mechanisms are in place. These include conducting social audits, annual third-party evaluations, and obtaining half-yearly self-audited reports from each institution.
These changes to the Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes mark a significant initiative by the Indian government towards empowering Scheduled Caste students by making higher education accessible and affordable to them.
