Assam Govt hikes pre-matriculation scholarship for ST students

The Assam government today announced to increase the pre-matriculation scholarship from Rs 25 to Rs 100 for students belonging to Schedule Tribes (ST).
"The decision was taken at a meeting of the Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes department, which was presided over by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal," an official release said.
In order to identify the talents from rural areas for honing their skills by imparting training, Sonowal directed various Development Boards of the state to take steps for giving impetus to sports and cultural activities.
"The sporting talents identified locally will be placed under the wings of Sports and Youth Welfare department, which will take responsibility to develop their skills further through advanced training," the release said.

Sonowal also directed the Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes department to take action for imparting vocational training to 1,000 ST students in line with the SC students of the state.
Besides, he asked the department to construct multi-purpose community halls at those areas, where there are more than 50 per cent ST and SC population so that the youth of those areas can be encouraged in the fields of sports and culture.