Daily Current Affairs : 20-September-2023

In a recent development, the government has shared some exciting news with the Parliament, highlighting the success of the SHREYAS scheme. This scheme, an acronym for Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills, is making waves by offering promising opportunities to the country’s general graduates. Let’s delve into this noteworthy initiative and understand its various aspects.

The SHREYAS Scheme: A Catalyst for Employment

The SHREYAS scheme is a central sector initiative aimed at bolstering the employability of Indian youth by providing them with valuable industry apprenticeship opportunities through the National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS). This not only opens doors for practical experience but also ensures a stipend, fostering financial independence among the beneficiaries.

A Collaborative Effort

One of the standout features of the SHREYAS scheme is its collaborative nature. It brings together the efforts of three crucial Central Ministries: the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and the Ministry of Labour & Employment. This synergy enables a comprehensive approach to youth skill development.

Exploring the SHREYAS Umbrella

Under the broad umbrella of SHREYAS, we find four central sector sub-schemes, each with its unique focus and goals.

1. Top Class Education for SCs

This sub-scheme is dedicated to recognizing and promoting quality education for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs). It provides full financial support to SC students pursuing studies beyond the 12th class. Importantly, the scholarship support extends until the completion of the course, subject to the student’s satisfactory performance.

2. Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs

The Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) aims to bridge educational gaps. It offers high-quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SC and OBC candidates. The objective is to prepare them for competitive and entrance examinations, ultimately opening doors to employment opportunities in the public and private sectors. Additionally, it helps secure admission to reputed technical and professional higher education institutions.

3. National Overseas Scheme for SCs

For those seeking higher education abroad, the National Overseas Scheme for SCs provides vital financial assistance. It supports selected students from SCs, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural laborers, and traditional artisan categories in pursuing master’s and Ph.D. level courses overseas. This not only broadens horizons but also contributes to the intellectual capital of the nation.

4. National Fellowship for SCs

Lastly, the National Fellowship for SCs encourages and supports Scheduled Castes students in their pursuit of higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees. This initiative covers a wide spectrum, encompassing Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences in Indian Universities, Institutions, and Colleges recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It serves as a beacon of academic excellence and empowerment.

Important Points:

About the SHREYAS Scheme:

  • SHREYAS stands for Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills.
  • It provides industry apprenticeship opportunities to general graduates through NAPS.
  • Aims to enhance employability by offering on-the-job work exposure and stipends.

Collaborative Effort:

  • SHREYAS is a collaborative initiative involving three Central Ministries: HRD, Skill Development, and Labour & Employment.

SHREYAS Sub-Schemes:

  • The umbrella scheme includes four central sector sub-schemes.
  • These sub-schemes focus on specific areas to support students:

1. Top Class Education for SCs:

  • Recognizes and promotes quality education among Scheduled Castes (SCs).
  • Provides full financial support beyond the 12th class.
  • Scholarships continue based on student performance.

2. Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs:

  • Offers high-quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SCs and OBCs.
  • Aims to prepare them for competitive exams and secure admissions.

3. National Overseas Scheme for SCs:

  • Provides financial assistance to selected SC students for master’s and Ph.D. courses abroad.
  • Supports various disadvantaged categories.

4. National Fellowship for SCs:

  • Offers fellowships to SC students pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees.
  • Covers Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences in recognized institutions.

Overall Impact:

  • SHREYAS empowers Indian youth by providing practical experience and financial support.
  • It contributes to bridging educational gaps and improving employability.
  • Promotes academic excellence and intellectual capital development.
  • A holistic approach to skill development and education.
Why In News

The government officially notified the Parliament of the resounding success achieved through the implementation of the SHREYAS scheme. This transformative program has not only bolstered skill development among our youth but has also garnered widespread acclaim for its positive impact on employment opportunities. As a result, it stands as a shining example of effective policy execution in our nation.

MCQs about The SHREYAS Scheme

  1. What does SHREYAS stand for in the context of the Indian government’s initiative?
    A. Support for Higher Education and Skills Enhancement
    B. Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills
    C. Skillful Handling of Resources for Youth Employment
    D. Supportive Human Resource Enhancement for Youth Apprenticeships
    Correct Answer: B. Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills
    Explanation: SHREYAS stands for Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills.
  2. Which ministry is NOT part of the collaborative effort behind the SHREYAS scheme?
    A. Ministry of Human Resource Development
    B. Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
    C. Ministry of Finance
    D. Ministry of Labour & Employment
    Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Finance
    Explanation: The collaborative effort involves the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and the Ministry of Labour & Employment. The Ministry of Finance is not part of this collaboration.
  3. Which SHREYAS sub-scheme aims to provide financial support for SC students pursuing studies beyond the 12th class?
    A. Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs
    B. National Overseas Scheme for SCs
    C. Top Class Education for SCs
    D. National Fellowship for SCs
    Correct Answer: C. Top Class Education for SCs
    Explanation: The sub-scheme “Top Class Education for SCs” is specifically designed to provide full financial support to Scheduled Castes (SCs) students pursuing studies beyond the 12th class.
  4. What is the primary objective of the National Fellowship for SCs under the SHREYAS scheme?
    A. Providing overseas education opportunities for SC students
    B. Offering coaching for competitive exams to SC students
    C. Supporting SC students pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees
    D. Promoting quality education among SC students up to the 12th class
    Correct Answer: C. Supporting SC students pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees
    Explanation: The National Fellowship for SCs under the SHREYAS scheme aims to provide fellowships to Scheduled Castes (SCs) students pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in various fields.

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