Daily Current Affairs : 4-October-2023

In a recent parliamentary session, the government presented a comprehensive overview of the sub-schemes operating under the ambitious SHREYAS umbrella scheme. This analysis sheds light on the key aspects, objectives, and impact of four central sector sub-schemes that fall under SHREYAS, focusing on their budgets, expenditure details, and the number of beneficiaries over the last nine years.

Understanding Central Sector Schemes

Central Sector Schemes, a vital component of SHREYAS, are initiatives executed by central agencies and fully funded by the central government. They address subjects within the union list and play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the nation.

Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs

Objective

The primary aim of this scheme is to provide high-quality coaching to economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates. It endeavors to enable them to appear in competitive exams, securing jobs in both the public and private sectors, and gain admission to esteemed technical and professional higher education institutions.

Key Points

  • The scheme has a stringent income cap of 8 lakhs per annum for eligible families.
  • It facilitates participation in competitive exams, opening doors to various job opportunities.
  • Successful candidates can pursue higher education in reputed institutions.
Top Class Education for SCs

Objective

This scheme is designed to recognize and promote quality education among SC students. It provides comprehensive financial support to SC students for pursuing studies beyond the 12th grade, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their educational pursuits.

Key Points

  • The scheme caters to SC students beyond the 12th grade, offering uninterrupted financial assistance.
  • Students’ performance determines the continuation of the scholarship until the completion of the course.
  • It encourages quality education among marginalized communities, fostering a brighter future.
National Overseas Scheme for SCs

Objective

This visionary scheme offers financial assistance to SCs, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural laborers, and traditional artisans. The assistance is aimed at pursuing master’s and Ph.D. level courses in top-ranked foreign institutes and universities.

Key Points

  • The scheme caters to economically deprived candidates with a family income cap of 8 lakhs per annum.
  • Candidates must have secured admission in the top 500 QS ranking foreign Institutes/Universities.
  • Currently, 125 slots are allocated, creating opportunities for academic excellence abroad.
National Fellowship for SC Students

Objective

This fellowship initiative supports SC students in their pursuit of higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Eligible candidates are those who have cleared the National Eligibility Test- Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) or the UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) Joint Test.

Key Points

  • The fellowship empowers SC students to engage in advanced research and academic pursuits.
  • It encourages specialization in diverse fields, contributing to the nation’s intellectual growth.
  • The scheme focuses on nurturing talent, ensuring a skilled and knowledgeable workforce for the future.

Important Points:

  • SHREYAS Sub-Schemes Overview in Parliament:
    • Detailed presentation in the recent parliamentary session showcased the sub-schemes under SHREYAS.
    • Focus on budgets, expenditure details, and number of beneficiaries over nine years.
  • Central Sector Schemes:
    • Implemented and funded entirely by central agencies.
    • Address subjects within the union list.
    • Play a significant role in shaping the educational landscape.
  • Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs:
    • Provides high-quality coaching for economically disadvantaged SCs and OBCs.
    • Enables participation in competitive exams for job opportunities.
    • Facilitates admission to prestigious technical and professional higher education institutions.
    • Income cap: 8 lakhs per annum.
  • Top Class Education for SCs:
    • Recognizes and promotes quality education among SC students.
    • Full financial support for studies beyond the 12th grade.
    • Scholarship continues until the completion of the course.
    • Income cap: 8 lakhs per annum.
  • National Overseas Scheme for SCs:
    • Offers financial assistance for master’s and Ph.D. level courses abroad.
    • Beneficiaries include SCs, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural laborers, and traditional artisans.
    • Income cap: 8 lakhs per annum.
    • 125 slots allocated for eligible candidates.
    • Admission in top 500 QS ranking foreign Institutes/Universities required.
  • National Fellowship for SC Students:
    • Provides fellowship for higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees.
    • Eligible candidates have cleared NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR Joint Test.
    • Promotes specialization in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
    • Fosters advanced research and academic pursuits.
  • Impact and Significance:
    • Empowers marginalized communities through education and equal opportunities.
    • Ensures inclusivity and financial support for academic pursuits.
    • Encourages international exposure, fostering a skilled workforce.
    • Highlighted in Parliament as a transformative initiative for a progressive and educated India.
Why In News

The sub-schemes under SHREYAS, aimed at empowering the youth through skill development, were meticulously outlined in Parliament. The comprehensive presentation included detailed information on the allocated budget, expenditure, and the number of beneficiaries for the past 9 years, showcasing the program’s impactful journey and contribution to fostering a skilled workforce in the country.

MCQs about SHREYAS Sub-Schemes

  1. What is the primary objective of the Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs under SHREYAS?
    A. Provide scholarships for higher education
    B. Offer quality coaching for competitive exams
    C. Promote vocational training
    D. Fund overseas education programs
    Correct Answer: B. Offer quality coaching for competitive exams
    Explanation: The Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs aims to provide high-quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SCs and OBCs, enabling them to appear in competitive exams for job opportunities.
  2. Which category of students is eligible for the National Overseas Scheme for SCs under SHREYAS?
    A. Economically disadvantaged SCs and OBCs
    B. Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes
    C. All Indian students pursuing higher education abroad
    D. Students from affluent families
    Correct Answer: B. Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes
    Explanation: The National Overseas Scheme supports SCs, De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, along with other specific categories, for pursuing master’s and Ph.D. level courses abroad.
  3. What does the National Fellowship for SC Students under SHREYAS support?
    A. Undergraduate education
    B. Vocational training programs
    C. Higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees
    D. Skill development courses
    Correct Answer: C. Higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees
    Explanation: The National Fellowship for SC Students provides fellowship support for pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

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