Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements various scholarship schemes to promote education among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students across India. These schemes include Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, National Fellowship, National Scholarship for Higher Education, and National Overseas Scholarship. Funds are released to States/UTs for centrally sponsored schemes and directly to students/institutions for central sector schemes. The ministry also undertakes outreach activities to improve awareness and disbursal of scholarships.
Key Points / Main Content:
Scholarship Schemes:
* Pre-Matric Scholarship (Class IX & X): Centrally Sponsored Scheme, implemented through States/UTs using their own state funds in the case of Maharashtra.
* Post-Matric Scholarship (Class XI & above): Centrally Sponsored Scheme, implemented through States/UTs.
* National Fellowship for Higher Education for ST students: Central Sector Scheme, funds directly released to students/institutions through DBT.
* National Scholarship for Higher Education for ST students - Top Class: Central Sector Scheme, funds directly released to students/institutions through DBT.
* National Overseas Scholarship for ST students: Central Sector Scheme, implemented through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA); funds are released to students through Embassies, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs reimburses MEA.
Eligibility and Implementation:
* Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarships are open to all eligible ST students from Class 9th to Post-Graduation with parental income not exceeding Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum.
* States/UTs are responsible for inviting applications, verification, selection, and disbursement of scholarship amounts via DBT.
* The Ministry of Tribal Affairs releases funds to States/UTs based on submitted proposals and progress reviews.
* National Overseas Scholarship supports Masters, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral research abroad in top 1,000 QS World University Rankings institutions, with no country restrictions, applications are invited through MEA.
* 20 ST students are selected each year for Overseas Scholarship.
Outreach and Awareness:
* The Ministry advertises scholarship schemes through newspapers, portals, universities, and institutions.
* State/UT administrations also publicize the schemes within their respective jurisdictions.
Financial Data:
* Annexure I provides State-wise fund release and beneficiary data for Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25.
* Annexure II provides the number of beneficiaries under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, State-wise, for the last three years.
Data Not Maintained:
* Data on the retention rate of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in schools who have received scholarships is not maintained.
Impact Analysis:
State Governments/UT Administrations:
* Impact: Responsible for implementing Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarship schemes, including application processing, disbursement, and monitoring.
* Action Required: Submit proposals to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for funding, ensure timely disbursal of scholarships via DBT, and publicize schemes within their jurisdiction.
ST Students:
* Impact: Opportunity to access financial assistance for education from Class IX to Post-Doctoral level.
* Action Required: Apply for relevant scholarship schemes, meet eligibility criteria (including income limits), and provide necessary documentation.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs:
* Impact: Responsible for policy implementation, fund allocation, and monitoring of scholarship schemes.
* Action Required: Review proposals from States/UTs, release funds, advertise schemes, and coordinate with MEA for the National Overseas Scholarship.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):
* Impact: Implementing agency for the National Overseas Scholarship scheme.
* Action Required: Process applications for the National Overseas Scholarship, disburse funds to selected students through Embassies, and coordinate with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for reimbursement.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tribal Affairs: The Indian government ministry responsible for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, implementing scholarship schemes.
Scheduled Tribe: Refers to officially designated groups of disadvantaged indigenous peoples in India who are eligible for various government programs and scholarships.
Maharashtra: A state in India, specifically mentioned for scholarship implementation and fund allocation.
PreMatric Scholarship Scheme: A scholarship scheme for ST students studying in Class IX and X.
PostMatric Scholarship Scheme: A scholarship scheme for ST students studying in Class XI and above.
National Overseas Scholarship for ST students: A Central Sector Scheme providing scholarships to meritorious ST students for pursuing higher education abroad.
Madhya Pradesh: A state in India, specifically mentioned in relation to the National Overseas Scholarship scheme.
Chhattisgarh: A state in India, specifically mentioned in relation to the National Overseas Scholarship scheme.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No 694
TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.07.2025
SCHOLARSHIP TO ST STUDENTS
694. SMT. SANJNA JATAV:
SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA:
SHRI CHHATRAPAL SINGH GANGWAR:
SMT. HIMADRI SINGH:
SMT. SMITA UDAY WAGH:
SHRI DILIP SAIKIA:
SHRI MADHAVANENI RAGHUNANDAN RAO:
SHRI BUNTY VIVEK SAHU:
SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE:
Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: -
(a) the details of various scholarship schemes being implemented by the Government
to ensure greater access to quality education for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students
across the country, State-wise particularly in Maharashtra;
(b) the total funds released under the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship
Schemes for ST students during the last three financial years and the current financial
year in the country, year and State-wise, particularly in Maharashtra;
(c) the number of ST students in school education, benefitted from these scholarships
during the said financial years, financial year and State-wise;
(d) whether the Government is implementing any scheme to provide overseas
scholarships to meritorious ST students for pursuing higher education abroad;
(e) if so, the details thereof along with the number of beneficiaries, State-wise,
particularly in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh;
(f) the details of the courses, countries and institutions covered under the scheme;
(g) whether the Government has taken any steps to improve outreach, timely
disbursal and awareness of such scholarships among tribal communities in
Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof; and
(h) the estimated retention rate of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST)
students in schools who have received scholarships
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)
(a) Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the following Scholarship
Schemes to promote and encourage basic and higher education amongst ST
population in the country, including Maharashtra:i) Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST students (Class IX and X)
ii) Post Matric Scholarship for ST students (Class XI and above)
iii) National Fellowship for Higher Education for ST students.
iv) National Scholarship for Higher Education for ST students(Top Class)
v) National Overseas Scholarship for ST students.
Out of the schemes mentioned above, the scholarship schemes at Sl.No (i) to (ii) are
Centrally Sponsored Schemes and implemented through respective State/UT. Both
Pre & Post Matric Scholarship Schemes are open ended Schemes wherein
scholarships are given to all eligible students for pursuing studies from class 9th to
Post-Graduation courses whose parental income is not more than Rs. 2.5 lakh per
annum. The inviting of applications, verification, selection of beneficiaries and
disbursement of scholarship amount is the responsibility of the respective State/UT.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, releases central share funds to States/UTs based on
proposals submitted by them and after examining financial and physical
progress. State Governments/Union Territory Administrations disburse the
scholarship amount to all the eligible ST Student's bank account through DBT mode.
Maharashtra is implementing scholarship scheme at Pre-Matric level from their own
State funds.
The Schemes at Sl. No. (iii) to (v) are Central Sector Schemes implemented by the
Ministry of Tribal Affairs. There are no state-wise allocation of slots and funds under
these Central Sector Schemes. Under National Fellowship and Scholarship for
Higher Education for ST students, funds are directly released to the
Students/Institutions through DBT mode, whereas Schemes at Sl.No. (v) National
Overseas Scholarship for ST students is implemented through the Ministry of
External Affairs (MEA), the funds are released to ST students studying abroad
through Embassies, further Ministry of Tribal Affairs reimburses the funds to MEA.
(b) & (c) The State-wise fund released and beneficiaries under the Pre-Matric and
Post-Matric Scholarship during the last three years is given at Annexure-I.
(d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the Central Sector Scheme of
"National Overseas Scholarship for ST students" to provide overseas scholarship to
meritorious ST students for pursuing higher education abroad.
(e) The number of beneficiaries under National Overseas Scholarship Scheme,
State-wise, during the last three years is given at Annexure-II.(f) The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme supports higher studies abroad
in Master’s Degree, Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Research. There is no restriction on
specific countries, provided the applicant is admitted to a reputed foreign
institute/university. Scholarship is given to 20 ST students each year for pursuing
studies in the top 1,000 ranked institutions as per the latest QS World University
Rankings.
(g) The Ministry is advertising the schemes through News paprer advertisements,
portals, Universities and Institutions. The State/UT administrations also give
pubilicity in their respective states/UTs.
(h) the data on retention rate of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST)
students in schools is not maintained.Annexure- I
Details of Fund Released and Beneficiaries to State Governments/UT Administrations under the S
cheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST students
(₹ in crore)
Sl.NoName of the State/ F.Y. 2022-23 F.Y. 2023-24 F.Y. 2024-25
. UT
Fund ReleasBeneficiariFund ReleasBeneficiariFund ReleasBeneficiari
ed es ed es ed es
Andaman & Nicob 260 173
1 ar 0.10 281
Andhra Pradesh 40465 57.00 *
2 30.77 *
Arunachal Pradesh 2.67 5178 2852
3 2831
Assam 1.07 5688 1.88 4353
4 1.00 8075
5 Bihar 26450 8451 15139
Chhattisgarh 28642 52.50 44837
6 27171
DNH & DD 2017 1273
7 1162
Goa 1.08 2108 0.53 1670
8 0.36 1698
Gujarat 54.52 157553 62.00 121083
9 9.23 124886
Himachal Pradesh 0.79 2479 1.10 2616
10 3260
Jammu & Kashmir 4689 2548
11 8371
12 Jharkhand 129269 57.00 114519 129142
Karnataka 23.70 98705 34.00 97191
13 7.00 104211
Kerala 9457 4.36 8331
14 1.00 10980
Ladakh 760 2228
15 0.40 2029
Madhya Pradesh 127.44 255944 259997
16 53.05 212347
17 Manipur 1836 3470 3916
Meghalaya 1.15 1588 5590
18 0.70 6149
Mizoram 10312 3.07 8911
19 8807
Nagaland * *
20 *
Odisha 93.97 79252 106691
21 29.50 122029
Puducherry 21 11
22 14
Rajasthan 35.31 73816 76272
23 22.36 57037
24 Sikkim 0.18 49 62 377
Tamil Nadu 4.04 15325 3.62 17557
25 0.60 19178
Telangana 9255 1.50 2460
26 0.00 *
Tripura 11.37 15017 11601
27 6.92 12597
Uttar Pradesh 1579 2329
28 3211
29 Uttarakhand 1464 0.15 902 0.70 812
West Bengal 23979 29.89 21789
30 24333
Total
357.29 1003157 308.60 929767 163.69 910043
*- beneficiary data not reported by State/UTDetails of Fund Released and Beneficiaries to State Governments/UT Administrations un
der the Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarship for ST students
(₹ in Crore)
Sl.N Name of the Stat F.Y. 2022-23 F.Y. 2023-24 F.Y. 2024-25
o. e/UT
Fund ReleaBeneficia Fund ReleaBeneficia Fund ReleaBeneficia
sed ries sed ries sed ries
1 A.& N. Islands 386 193 0.10 311
2 Andhra Pradesh 133.57 129032 114.71 79780 120.00 67888
Arunachal Prades 96.16 46330 80.00 42417
3 h 100.00 45125
4 Assam 68.45 62140 35.00 58774 79.71 77350
5 Bihar 3768 1444 4.43 3428
6 Chhattisgarh 93.30 34184 71.25 40552 70.00 34022
7 DNH DD 2208 4.04 1053 4.90 1627
8 Goa 11.87 4439 5.27 3274 5.00 3163
9 Gujarat 244.26 262538 350.00 226456 231.22 233161
Himachal Prades 4303 4390
10 h 5.00 4937
Jammu & Kashm 6.84 10430 7.46 7319
11 ir 9.95 15309
12 Jharkhand 147633 53.11 148676 200.00 65104
13 Karnataka 131968 225.56 123707 125.00 125823
14 Kerala 14863 46.89 13731 29.00 13034
15 Ladakh 18.91 8619 5.96 9413 35.00 8969
16 Madhya Pradesh 270.49 391317 350.00 353486 250.00 326410
17 Maharashtra 90.27 135915 570.36 139165 117.81 144785
18 Manipur 41.38 42572 30.00 33542 25.00 32275
19 Meghalaya 146.20 61360 85.00 76755 145.08 73902
20 Mizoram 25.90 38784 25.00 31685 24.00 28471
21 Nagaland 36.08 40638 35.00 42485 62.00 41793
22 Odisha 171.33 204172 135.64 213957 294.00 230366
23 Puducherry 18 11 0.00 10
24 Rajasthan 188.10 236628 220.00 168516 350.00 *
25 Sikkim 9.25 2650 1849 6.00 2411
26 Tamil Nadu 28.54 23529 20.00 25216 25.00 28273
27 Telangana 238.51 114911 112.50 131505 152.50 131032
28 Tripura 45.22 37380 40.00 33678 74.94 33506
29 Uttar Pradesh 9655 10.00 9676 15.00 10427
30 Uttarakhand 3534 1.88 3972 2.70 3853
31 West Bengal 63208 34.06 37760 35.00 29528
Total 1964.63 2269112 2668.69 2064437 2598.34 1816293
*- beneficiary data not reported by State/UTAnnexure-II
Name of State/UT F.Y 2022-23 F.Y 2023-24 F.Y 2024-25
Andhra Pradesh 1 1
Arunachal Pradesh 1 1
ASSAM 4 4 2
Chhattisgarh 1
Goa
Himachal Pradesh 1
Jammu and Kashmir 3 4 3
Jharkhand 1 4 5
Karnataka 1
Madhya Pradesh 1 1 1
Maharashtra 1 3 3
Manipur 13 20 18
Meghalaya 2 2 3
Mizoram 3 2
Nagaland 6 6 4
Odisha 1 2 2
Rajasthan 2 2 2
Telangana 6 5 8
Tripura 1
Uttarakhand 1 1 1
West Bengal 1 2 2
Total 44 65 58
Note:- based on payment reimbursement to MEA by MoTA during the respective financial year.