SHRESHTA | 01 Jan 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment recently highlighted the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA).

What are the Key Highlights of the SHRESHTA?

• About:
  • SHRESHTA aims to fill the educational service gap in Scheduled Castes (SCs) dominant areas by providing high-quality education, socio-economic upliftment, and overall development for SC students.
  • Admission will be provided in Class 9 and Class 11 of CBSE/State affiliated private schools.
• Eligibility:
  • The students, belonging to SCs, studying in class 8^th and 10^th in the current academic year are eligible for availing the benefits of the scheme.
  • Students from the SC community who come from a marginalized income group with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh are eligible.
• Operating Procedure:
  • The scheme is being implemented in two Modes:
    • Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools:
      • Selection Process:
        • Meritorious SC students are selected annually through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
          • Selected students are admitted to the best CBSE/State Board-affiliated private residential schools in classes 9th and 11th.
      • Financial Support:
        • The Department covers the total fee for students, including school and hostel fees, amounting to Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,35,000 from class 9th to 12th.
          • Admissible fee for each class under the Scheme.
      • Bridge Course:
        • A bridge course is provided outside regular school hours to enhance students' capability to adapt easily to the school environment.
          • The Department bears 10% of the annual fee for the bridge course.
      • Monitoring:
        • The Ministry monitors the progress of students regularly.
    • Mode 2: NGO/VO Operated Schools/Hostels:
      • Schools/Hostels run by VOs/NGOs with classes up to 12th grade receive grants for school fees and residential charges for SC students.
        • Grants range from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 55,000 per student based on the type of school.
• Monitoring:
  • The Ministry monitors the progress of students regularly.
    • Institutions are required to disclose performance on their websites and the e-Anudaan/online portal, ensuring transparency.
    • Installation of cameras in institutions, providing live feeds for monitoring purposes.
    • All the institutions are liable for a field visit by an inspection team constituted for this purpose.
• Impact:
  • 2023-24 (as of December 2023): 7,543 beneficiaries.
    • Admissions in 2023-24: A total of 2,564 students were admitted to 142 Private Residential Schools, and Rs. 30.55 Crore has been reimbursed for school fees.