Financial assistance and scholarship provided through the Schemes of Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) and Top-Class Education for Scheduled Caste Students have contributed in enhancing the educational standard of Scheduled Caste students for pursuing higher education in educational Institutes/Colleges of the country.

This has not only helped in reducing financial burden but also has enabled Scheduled Caste students to access quality education. By improving educational opportunities, the schemes have fostered greater socio-economic mobility, enhanced career prospects, and addressed both economic and social backwardness among SC communities.

In the past five years, 2,22,31,139 and 20,340 SC students have benefitted under Post Matric Scholarship Scheme and Top-Class Education Scheme respectively.

Under these Schemes Scheduled Caste students pursue their higher education in Colleges, Universities and Institutions including IIT, IIMs, IIITs, AIIMSs, NITs, NIFTs, NIDs, IHMs, NLUs etc. and have achieved notable success in their respective fields.

This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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VM

(Rajya Sabha US Q451)