Daily Current Affairs : 10-October-2023

In a bid to bridge the educational gap and empower the marginalized sections of our society, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has initiated the “Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA).” This transformative scheme aims to offer meritorious students from the Scheduled Castes (SC) community an opportunity to receive education in some of the best private residential schools across the country. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this remarkable initiative.

A Noble Aim: Bridging the Gap

The primary objective of the SHRESHTA scheme is to provide deserving SC students access to quality education by offering them seats in the top private residential schools. By doing so, it aspires to create an environment where financial constraints do not hinder the educational aspirations of bright young minds.

Two Modes of Implementation: Tailoring Education for All

Under the SHRESHTA scheme, the implementation occurs in two distinctive modes, catering to the diverse needs of the students:

  1. Schooling under CBSE/State Board Affiliated Private Residential Schools:
    • Meritorious students gain admission to selected private schools affiliated with CBSE and State Boards.
    • Selection is conducted through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), facilitated by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
    • Successful candidates enter private residential schools in the 9th and 11th grades, ensuring completion of education up to the 12th standard.
    • Approximately 3000 SC students with parents’ annual income of up to 2.5 lakh are chosen annually based on their merit.
  2. Admission to NGO-operated schools:
    • Schools and hostels run by voluntary organizations (VOs) and NGOs offer education up to class 12.
    • Institutions demonstrating satisfactory performance continue to receive support under this mode.
Benefits that Transform Lives

The SHRESHTA scheme extends a plethora of benefits to the students, ensuring their holistic development and successful integration into the education system:

  • Waiver of Fees:
    • Students admitted under this scheme enjoy a waiver of their entire fee, including school fees (tuition fees) and hostel fees (mess charges).
    • Admissible fees for each class are specified as follows: 9th: ₹1,00,000, 10th: ₹1,10,000, 11th: ₹1,25,000, 12th: ₹1,35,000.
  • Bridge Courses for Seamless Transition:
    • Enrolled students have the opportunity to benefit from a bridge course within selected schools.
    • This course is tailored to cater to individual academic requirements and aids students in adjusting to the new school environment.
    • The cost of the bridge course, equivalent to 10% of the annual fee, is covered under the scheme.
    • The progress of these students is vigilantly monitored by the Ministry of Education, ensuring their smooth transition and academic growth.

Important Points:

  • Initiative Overview:
    • Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment’s “Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA).”
  • Objective:
    • Provide access to quality education for meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) students in top private residential schools.
  • Implementation Modes:
    • CBSE/State Board Affiliated Private Residential Schools:
      • Admission through National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA).
      • Admission in 9th and 11th grades, ensuring education up to 12th standard.
      • Selection of around 3000 SC students annually based on merit and parents’ income (up to 2.5 lakh).
    • NGO-operated Schools:
      • Schools and hostels run by voluntary organizations (VOs) and NGOs offering education up to class 12.
      • Continued support for institutions demonstrating satisfactory performance.
  • Financial Support:
    • Waiver of entire fee, including school fees (tuition fees) and hostel fees (mess charges).
    • Admissible fees for each class: 9th: ₹1,00,000, 10th: ₹1,10,000, 11th: ₹1,25,000, 12th: ₹1,35,000.
  • Bridge Courses:
    • Opportunity for students to benefit from a bridge course within selected schools.
    • Tailored to individual academic requirements, aiding students’ adjustment to the school environment.
    • Cost of the bridge course (10% of annual fee) covered under the scheme.
    • Progress monitored by the Ministry of Education, ensuring smooth transition and academic growth.
  • Impact and Significance:
    • Empowers SC students, breaking down financial barriers to education.
    • Promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities in education.
    • Contributes to building a more educated and inclusive society.
    • Fosters individual growth and paves the way for a brighter future for the youth.
Why In News

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has recently introduced the “Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)” to provide quality education and empower students in underserved communities, fostering a brighter future for them.

MCQs about SHRESHTA Scheme

  1. What is the primary objective of the SHRESHTA scheme?
    A. To provide financial assistance to all students
    B. To offer meritorious SC students seats in top private residential schools
    C. To conduct national level sports competitions
    D. To build public libraries in targeted areas
    Correct Answer: B. To offer meritorious SC students seats in top private residential schools
    Explanation: The primary objective of the SHRESHTA scheme is to provide deserving SC students access to quality education by offering them seats in the best private residential schools in the country.
  2. How are students selected for admission under the CBSE/State Board Affiliated Private Residential Schools mode?
    A. Random selection
    B. Through a National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS)
    C. Based on a first-come, first-served basis
    D. By referral from teachers
    Correct Answer: B. Through a National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS)
    Explanation: The meritorious students gain admission to selected private schools through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
  3. What does the SHRESHTA scheme cover in terms of fees for the students?
    A. Only tuition fees
    B. Only hostel fees
    C. Entire fee, including school fees and hostel fees
    D. Partial fee for tuition and hostel
    Correct Answer: C. Entire fee, including school fees and hostel fees
    Explanation: The students admitted under this scheme enjoy a waiver of their entire fee, including school fees (tuition fees) and hostel fees (mess charges).
  4. What is the purpose of the bridge courses offered under the SHRESHTA scheme?
    A. Teaching foreign languages
    B. Helping students transition to the school environment and catering to their academic needs
    C. Conducting extracurricular activities
    D. Providing vocational training
    Correct Answer: B. Helping students transition to the school environment and catering to their academic needs
    Explanation: The bridge courses are tailored to cater to individual academic requirements and aid students in adjusting to the new school environment. These courses focus on the academic needs of students, ensuring their smooth transition.

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