SHRESHTA Scheme: Uplifting SC Students in High Schools

What is SHRESHTA Scheme?

Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas

In a bid to bridge educational gaps and empower Scheduled Castes (SCs) in targeted areas, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is driving change through the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA). With a focus on quality education and holistic development, SHRESHTA scheme is making significant strides in shaping the future for SC students.

Objective of SHRESHTA Scheme:

The primary objective of SHRESHTA Scheme is to extend the government’s developmental interventions to service-deficient SC-dominant areas, particularly in the education sector. The scheme operates through grant-in-aid institutions run by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and residential high schools committed to offering high-quality education. The overarching goal is to create an environment conducive to socio-economic upliftment and the overall development of Scheduled Castes.

Two Implementation Modes:

Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools (Best CBSE/State Board Affiliated Private Residential Schools)

Under this mode, meritorious SC students are selected through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These students are then admitted to the best private residential schools affiliated with CBSE/State Boards for classes 9th and 11th. The selection process considers the performance of private residential schools, ensuring a pass percentage of over 75% for the last three years.

Approximately 3000 SC students, with parents having an annual income of up to 2.5 lakhs, are selected each year through a national-level test. The department covers the total fee for students, including school and hostel fees, with admissible fees ranging from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,35,000 from class 9th to 12th.

Mode 2: NGO/VO Operated Schools/Hostels (Existing Component)

This mode applies to schools and hostels run by voluntary organizations (VOs)/NGOs with classes up to 12th grade. Grants under the scheme cover school fees and residential charges for SC students, with specific grant amounts for different types of schools.

Monitoring and Progress:

Institutions are required to proactively disclose their performance on their websites and the e-Anudaan/online portal. A real-time Data Management Information System (MIS) is being implemented for better reporting on output outcome indicators. Additionally, institutions are obligated to install closed-circuit cameras for live feed availability and undergo field visits by inspection teams.

Expenditure Overview (2020-21 to 2023-24):

2020-21: BE Rs.100.00 cr., Expenditure Rs. 56.05 cr., Beneficiaries 38,250
2021-22: BE Rs.200.00 cr., Expenditure Rs. 38.05 cr., Beneficiaries 20,435
2022-23: BE Rs.89.00 cr., Expenditure Rs. 51.12 cr., Beneficiaries 16,479
2023-24 (as of 10.12.2023): BE Rs.104.65 cr., Expenditure Rs. 51.57 cr., Beneficiaries 7,543

For the academic session 2023-24, a total of 2,564 students were admitted to 142 private residential schools, with a reimbursed school fee amounting to Rs. 30.55 Crore.

In essence, SHRESHTA Scheme is a beacon of hope, empowering SC students to access quality education, fostering their holistic development, and securing their future opportunities.