Government Launches SHREYAS Scheme to Foster Higher Education for OBC & Others
The SHREYAS Scheme, aimed at enhancing the educational empowerment of OBC and EBC students, encompasses two vital components:
1. National Fellowship for OBC Students: The scheme’s primary objective is to offer financial assistance to OBC students pursuing higher education, specifically M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees, in universities, research, and scientific institutions. The scheme provides 1000 Junior Research Fellowships annually for advanced studies and research. Eligible candidates must have qualified in tests like NET-JRF of UGC for Humanities/Social Sciences or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF Joint Test for Sciences. The Ministry has now entrusted the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation with the implementation of this scheme, ensuring a transparent and effective process.
Achievements: As of January 4, 2023, an impressive Rs. 50.90 crore has been released during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
2. Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for OBCs and EBCs: This Central Sector Scheme focuses on providing interest subsidies to OBC and EBC students for the period of moratorium on educational loans taken for overseas studies at Masters, M.Phil., and Ph.D. levels. The scheme is implemented through Canara Bank, the nodal bank for the initiative. Noteworthy features include linking the interest subsidy with existing educational loan schemes, income criteria for OBC and EBC candidates, and a reserved 50% financial assistance for women candidates.
Achievements: An encouraging Rs. 24.11 crore has been released during the 2023-24 fiscal year as of January 4, 2023.
These initiatives aim to make quality higher education accessible to all, fostering inclusivity and supporting the academic aspirations of students from OBC and economically backward backgrounds. The Government emphasizes the importance of education as a key driver for national progress and development.
