PROMOTING EQUALITY OF 
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SC/ST AND
EDUCATIONALLY BACKWARD
MINORITIES
 

30.1 In pursuance of the Policy parameters for SC/ST and other educationally backward sections, the following measures have been taken:

(i) A scheme of providing remedial and special coaching for upgradation of merit of SC/ST students has been formulated and circulated to the State Governments. The scheme which is intended to help SC/ST children to achieve better grades in their examinations and also prepare them for professional courses aims at providing remedial coaching to these, stu- dents for a period of four years from Classes IX to XII and special coaching in Classes XI and XII. The emphasis on remedial coaching will be to remove educational deficiencies from which these students suffer and to promote and develop confidence in them. Financial assistance has been released to four states (Andhra Pradesh, Assam,Orissa, & Rajasthan) totalling to all amount of Rs. 20 Lakhs.

(ii) Pre-Matric Scholarships for children whose parents are engaged in the so-called unclean occupations, like scaveng- ing, tanning, flaying etc. are being provided at present to students only in classes VI to X. The rate of scholarships has been increased from Rs. 145 per month to Rs. 200 per month with effect from 1986-87 and the income limit of par- ents has been increased from Rs. 500/- per month to Rs. 1000/- per month.

(iii) Under the scheme of assistance for construction of hostel buildings for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe girls, the ceiling cost of construction per hosteler which was Rs. 7,150/- for plain areas and Rs. 7,790/- for hill areas has been increased to Rs. 12,775/- and Rs. 17,125/- respectively.

(iv) A High Level Committee set up in the Ministry of Wel- fare for upward revision of rates of scholarships, increasing the income limit of parents, streamlining procedures, and tilting the rates in favour of professional courses has submitted its report. Among other things, the Committee has suggested simplification of procedures and payment of schol- arships through bank draft so as to avoid any possible delay in payment.

(v) Ten Community Polytechnics have been located in minori- ty concentration areas with a view to extending benefits of vocational and skill training to persons belonging to educa- tionally backward minorities.

30.2 The CABE Committee on Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other educationally deprived group under the Chairmanship of Smt. Rajendra Kumari Bajpai, Minister of state for Welfare, met on 24 September, 1987 and reviewed in detail the various schemes meant for the development of educationally deprived groups, achievements made so far and speed up the implementation process. The State Governments, U.T. Administrations, have been advised to set up a Committee at the State level for review and monitoring of all schemes meant for the weaker sections.

30.2 The CABE Committee on Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other educationally deprived group under the Chairmanship of Slut. Rajendra Kurnari Bajpai, Minister of state for Welfare, met on 24 September, 1987 and reviewed in detail the various schemes meant for the development of educationally deprived groups, achievements made so far and speed up the implementation process. The State Government, U.T. Administrations, have been advised to set up a Committee at the State level for review and monitoring of all schemes meant for the weaker sections.

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