In recent times, the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) initiative has taken a pivotal role in India’s endeavor to empower students from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). By providing these students with access to quality education, the scheme aids in leveling the educational playing field.
Understanding SHREYAS
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment supervises the SHREYAS initiative, an umbrella scheme aimed at the Educational Empowerment of OBC and Economically Backward Class (EBC) students. It achieves this goal through awarding fellowships or financial assistance for quality higher education and offering interest subsidies on educational loans for overseas studies.
Sub-Schemes under SHREYAS
SHREYAS encompasses four central sector sub-schemes: The Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs, Top-Class Education for SCs, National Overseas Scheme for SCs, and National Fellowship for SC Students.
Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs
This scheme provides high-quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SCs and OBCs for competitive exams and admission to technical and professional institutions. With specifications like income ceiling, slot allocation, gender inclusivity, and allocation ratio, it ensures equitable access. Between 2014-15 and 2022-23, nearly 19,995 beneficiaries have benefited from it.
Top-Class Education for SCs
Aiming to recognize and promote quality education among SC students, this sub-scheme covers studies beyond the 12th class. It features 266 higher education institutes, including prestigious institutions like IIMs, IITs, and NITs. The scheme covers tuition fee, non-refundable charges, academic allowance, and other expenses. It has benefitted 21,988 beneficiaries from 2014-15 till 2022-23.
National Overseas Scheme for SCs
Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to selected students from SCs, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural labourers, and traditional artisans for pursuing masters and Ph.D. level courses abroad. From 2014-15 to 2022-23, 950 beneficiaries have benefited.
National Fellowship for SC Students
This fellowship supports SC students pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences in Indian Universities/Institutions/Colleges recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It provides for 2000 new slots per year (500 for the science stream and 1500 for the Humanities and Social Sciences).
Other Education Schemes in India
Apart from SHREYAS, several other education schemes are functioning in India like the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM SHRI Schools, National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS), Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
Examining the Role of Constitution in Education
The Constitution of India plays a significant role in the realm of Education. The Directive Principles of State Policy, Rural and Urban Local Bodies, Fifth Schedule, Sixth Schedule and Seventh Schedule all have bearings on Education.
Discussing Digital Initiatives and Population Education
While digital initiatives have greatly contributed to the functioning of the education system in India, Population Education also aims at achieving specific objectives through various measures within the Indian demographic context.