Centre increases income ceiling in scholarship for ST students

NEW DELHI, July 11:  To help ST students avail professional education, the Centre today decided to increase the total family income ceiling under its scholarship scheme from Rs two lakh to Rs 4.50 lakh per annum from this fiscal.

The decision was approved by the Union cabinet today.

The central sector scholarship scheme of ‘top class education for ST students’ had come into effect from 2007-08 for providing adequate financial support to ST students for pursuing education in selected premier institutions of the country.

“The enhancement of the ceiling of the annual total family income from all sources will enable larger number of ST students avail benefits of the scheme.

“This will also act as a major incentive for ST students pursuing higher and technical education,” a government statement said.

It also said that the decision does not entail any additional burden. The expenditure on account of revision of the scheme would be met under the existing budget allocation for each year. (PTI)