Organization : Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Service Name : Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Upgradation of Merit of SC Students Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ's
Applicable State/UT : All Over India
Website : http://socialjustice.nic.in/UserView...28545#premssc1

Upgradation of Merit of SC Students Scholarship FAQ's :
Who are eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
Ans: SC students studying in Class IX to XII are eligible for the benefits.

What is the nature of coaching provided under the scheme?
Ans:
Remedial coaching: to remove deficiencies in school subjects.
Special coaching: to prepare students for competitive examinations for entry into professional courses like Engineering and Medical.

What is the funding pattern?
Ans: The scheme provides 100% Central Assistance to States/UTs.

By whom the schools and students are selected?
Ans: Admission and selection is the discretion of State Governments. The coaching institutions and beneficiaries are selected by the State Governments.

Which schools are selected under the scheme?
Ans: The schools selected should have the facility necessary for all round development of the child, hostel facilities and good academic results in the past few years.

What is the maximum coverage under the scheme?
Ans: Maximum 2050 fresh students would be covered under the scheme annually.

When does the coaching start?
Ans: The coaching start at class IX level and continues till a student completes class XII.

Whether a student can be enrolled after class IX?
Ans: Yes. A student can be enrolled in class X/XI, if he/she has shown excellent performance in the previous examination with any reason for missing entry at class IX level.

How many States/UTs are covered under the scheme?
Ans: Presently, 19 States/UTs have been covered.

Why all the States/UTs have not been covered?
Ans: All States/UTs were covered prior to revision of the scheme. However, the Ministry found some of them not sending their proposals at all. These States/UTs were excluded from the scheme.

How the teachers are selected?
Ans:
For Remedial Coaching: Preference is given to the faculty of the school selected. In case of non-availability of suitable teachers, the services of teachers from neighbouring schools are sought.
For Special Coaching: Apart from school teachers, faculties of professional, institutions are invited.

What is the ratio of allocating the awards?
Ans: Allocated awards are used by the States for boys and girls in the ratio 50:50.
The unutilized awards by girls are used by boys. Similarly, awards unutilized by boys are used by girls.

Whether any preference is given to disabled students?
Ans: Target is fixed to include at least 3% disabled SC students wherever possible.

Whether any additional grant is provided to students with disabilities?
Ans: Yes. Beside the amount of scholarship, the following additional grants are provided to them:
Reader Allowance: Rs. 200/- per month (for Blind students).
Transport Allowance: Rs. 100/- per month for disabled students, not residing in the hostel located at the premises of the institution.

Special Pay to 'Helper': Rs. 200/- per month (to help severely orthpaedically handicapped hostel students).
Escort Allowance: Rs. 100/- per month (for day scholar students with lower extremity disability).
Extra coaching Allowance: Rs. 200/- per month (to mentally retarded and mentally ill students).

What is the package grant given to students under the scheme?
Ans: A package grant of Rs.25,000/- per student per year is given, with the following break-up:
Boarding & lodging charges: Rs.9,000/- (@ Rs. 900/- per month (for 10 months).
Pocket Money: Rs. 3,000/- (@ Rs. 300/- (for 10 months).
Books & Stationery: Rs. 3,000/-
Honorarium to Principal/Experts: Rs.10,000/- per year per student.

Is there any provision for revision of package?
Ans: There is a provision to revise the package once in every two years.

What happens if a State does not send proposal under the scheme?
Ans: In such cases the funds earmarked for that State lapse.

Whether State-wise allocation of fund is made under the scheme?
Ans: No. The implementing States/UTs have been allotted number of fresh slots.