The SHRESHTA scheme aims to enhance the reach of development interventions for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and fill service gaps in education. It focuses on providing high-quality education through grant-in-aid institutions, including NGOs and residential high schools.
Financial Assistance
- Private Residential Schools: Financial assistance is provided to private residential schools affiliated with CBSE/State Boards for SC students in classes 9th to 12th.
- NGOs/Voluntary Organizations: Financial assistance is extended to NGOs/VOs to run residential and non-residential schools and hostels with adequate infrastructure for SC students.
Bridge Course
A bridge course is provided to help SC students catch up with their peers and adapt to the school environment effectively.
Implementation Modes
- Mode-I: Meritorious SC students (around 3000) are selected annually through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). They are admitted to private residential schools affiliated with CBSE/State Boards.
- Mode-II: Financial assistance is provided to NGOs for education-related projects serving SC students. 13500 slots are allocated yearly.
Educational Continuation
Students admitted under Mode-I receive financial aid from 9th to 12th grade. Post-12th, they may avail benefits under schemes like Post Matric Scholarship or Top Class Education Scheme for further studies.
Minister’s Statement
The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri A. Narayanaswamy, provided this information in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary objective of the SHRESHTA scheme?
- A) To provide financial assistance to all students in need
- B) To enhance the reach of development interventions for SCs in education
- C) To focus on healthcare services for SCs
- D) To promote sports activities among SC students
- Answer: B) To enhance the reach of development interventions for SCs in education
- Which organizations are eligible to receive financial assistance under SHRESHTA for running educational projects?
- A) Private corporations
- B) Government agencies only
- C) NGOs/Voluntary Organizations
- D) Religious institutions
- Answer: C) NGOs/Voluntary Organizations
- What is the purpose of the bridge course provided in the SHRESHTA scheme?
- A) To construct bridges in rural areas
- B) To help SC students transition smoothly into the school environment
- C) To teach students about bridge engineering
- D) To encourage students to pursue engineering careers
- Answer: B) To help SC students transition smoothly into the school environment
- How are meritorious SC students selected for admission under Mode-I of the SHRESHTA scheme?
- A) By lottery
- B) Through a national entrance test (NETS)
- C) Based on recommendations from NGOs
- D) By academic performance in previous grades
- Answer: B) Through a national entrance test (NETS)
- What options are available to students after completing education up to the 12th standard under SHRESHTA?
- A) They can continue receiving financial assistance indefinitely.
- B) They can apply for employment directly.
- C) They can avail benefits under other education schemes like Post Matric Scholarship or Top Class Education Scheme.
- D) They are required to repay the financial aid received.
- Answer: C) They can avail benefits under other education schemes like Post Matric Scholarship or Top Class Education Scheme.