Recent discussions in India’s Union government focus on raising parental income limits for post and pre-matric scholarships. These scholarships support students from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Denotified Tribes (DNTs). The aim is to widen access and counter declining beneficiary numbers ahead of the FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 financial cycle.
Current Scholarship Income Limits
At present, students must have a parental annual income below ₹2.5 lakh to qualify for these scholarships. This applies to both post-matric (after 10th grade) and pre-matric (before 10th grade) schemes. For SCs, pre-matric scholarships extend from Class 1 to 10 if parents work in hazardous occupations. These limits have remained unchanged despite inflation and socio-economic changes.
Proposed Income Limit Revisions
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs proposes increasing the parental income limit for ST scholarships to ₹4.5 lakh. The Ministry of Social Justice is considering similar revisions for SCs, OBCs, and DNTs. Discussions include raising income ceilings for both school and college level scholarships. These changes aim to include more students from marginalised communities who currently fall outside the eligibility criteria.
Structure and Funding of Scholarships
These scholarships are centrally sponsored schemes funded jointly by the Union and State governments. The usual funding ratio is 60:40, except in northeastern states where it is 90:10. The schemes require students to be Indian nationals and enrolled at the appropriate academic level. They cover tuition fees, maintenance, and other educational expenses.
Declining Number of Beneficiaries
Data shows drop in scholarship beneficiaries over recent years. From 2020-21 to 2024-25, pre-matric scholarships for SCs fell by over 30%. Post-matric SC scholarships also declined by around 4%. Similar trends exist for OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, and STs with millions fewer beneficiaries in 2023-24 compared to 2021-22. The low income limit is a major factor restricting access.
Recommendations by Parliamentary Committees
House panels have urged the government to raise income limits to expand coverage. The Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of OBCs recommended doubling the income threshold for pre and post-matric scholarships. It also suggested extending pre-matric scholarships for OBCs to students from Class 5 onwards. Another committee overseeing Tribal Affairs and Social Justice ministries echoed calls for revising income criteria for ST scholarships. They brought into light that current limits exclude many needy families.
Significance of Revising Income Limits
Raising income limits can increase scholarship uptake among marginalised groups. It addresses inflation and changing economic realities. This move may improve educational access and social equity. It also aligns with government priorities to empower disadvantaged communities through education.
Implementation Challenges
Raising income limits requires budgetary adjustments and coordination between Union and State governments. Monitoring and verification processes must adapt to prevent misuse. Expanding eligibility may increase demand and administrative workload. Careful planning is essential to ensure effective delivery.
Future Outlook
The government’s planned revisions mark policy shift to enhance educational support for marginalised students. These changes could reverse the declining trend in scholarship beneficiaries. They reflect a broader commitment to inclusive growth and social justice in education.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the impact of parental income limits on social equity in India’s education system and estimate the role of scholarships in promoting inclusivity among marginalised communities.
- Critically analyse the challenges in implementing centrally sponsored schemes like post and pre-matric scholarships and suggest measures to improve their reach and effectiveness.
- With suitable examples, explain the importance of parliamentary committees in shaping social welfare policies and how their recommendations influence government decisions.
- What is the significance of revising income eligibility criteria in welfare schemes? How does it affect access to education for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes?
