Government formulates umbrella scheme for ST students

The union tribal welfare ministry has formulated an umbrella scheme for education of Scheduled Tribes (ST) students by merging a few centrally-sponsored schemes, parliament was informed on Monday.

This information was given by Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

"Based on the past experience and evaluation, the revised scheme has been designed to cater to specific needs of states and UTs. The merged scheme has been approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee in the year 2014. However, approval of the cabinet is awaited," said Vasava.

The centrally-sponsored schemes are pre-matric and post-matric scholarship for ST students, setting up of Ashram schools in tribal sub-plan area, scheme of hostels for ST boys and girls and schemes of vocational training in tribal areas.

In another written reply, Vasava said the ministry was implementing a gender-specific scheme for ST girls "Strengthening Education among ST Girls in Low Literacy Districts".