A Parliamentary Committee has recommended that the Delhi government increase its financial assistance for Scheduled Caste (SC) students pursuing higher studies abroad. The current scheme, launched in 2019-20, offers Rs 5 lakh per student for a two-year period.
The committee suggests raising this to Rs 20 lakh and extending the assistance period to at least five years.
FEW TAKERS FOR CURRENT SCHEME
The committee’s report, presented in the Lok Sabha last week, highlighted that the Delhi government’s scheme has had limited uptake.
This is likely due to a similar scheme run by the central government, which provides a higher level of financial assistance.
CALL FOR EXTENDED RESERVED ADMISSIONS
In addition to increased financial aid, the committee also recommended extending reserved admissions for economically weaker and disadvantaged categories (including SC/ST/OBC students) up to Class 12 in private unaided recognised schools in Delhi.
This would come with full reimbursement of fees.
SHORTFALL OF QUALIFIED SC/ST TEACHERS
The report also noted a shortfall of well-qualified SC/ST candidates for teaching posts. It urged the Delhi government to request corrective action reports from colleges and submit them within three months.
(With PTI inputs)