Several minority scholarship schemes discontinued after 2021-22, Minority Affairs Mister tells Rajya Sabha
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Mains·
Why in news
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that several minority scholarship schemes (pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means) were discontinued after the 2021-22 academic year.
Background
The Ministry of Minority Affairs confirmed the non-continuation of specific scholarship schemes beyond 2021-22. The government stated that students are now covered under the PM-USP Yojana and the Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Facts for Prelims
- SchemePM-USP Yojana: A scheme providing coverage for minority students as an alternative to discontinued scholarships.
- PlaceJammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Regions covered under a specific Special Scholarship Scheme for minorities.
- FactThe Ministry of Minority Affairs reported a significant decline in beneficiaries and spending on scholarship programs since 2021-22.
For Mains
Q. Examine the impact of shifting from specific minority scholarship schemes to broader integrated schemes on the educational accessibility of marginalized communities.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Equity gap: Potential exclusion of students who do not qualify for broader PM-USP Yojana criteria
- Fiscal consolidation: Trade-off between budgetary savings and targeted outreach for specific minority sub-groups
- Data transparency: Need for granular reporting on beneficiary decline to ensure policy efficacy
Keywords: Inclusive growth · Targeted intervention · Fiscal federalism · Educational equity · Social justice
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