- SHRESHTA Scheme supports Scheduled Castes students with quality residential education and financial help to NGOs.
- Mode-I selects meritorious SC students through a nationwide entrance test for top residential high schools.
- Mode-II provides grants for residential schools, non-residential schools, and hostels for primary and secondary SC students.
SHRESHTA Scheme, officially called the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas, is a government scheme aimed at helping Scheduled Castes (SC) students through quality education and socio-economic growth. This scheme focuses on giving financial support to NGOs and educational institutions to close the education gap in SC-dominant, service-poor areas. By offering residential education opportunities and support for various educational projects, SHRESHTA helps create better futures for SC students across India.
Key Goals of SHRESHTA Scheme
The main goal of the SHRESHTA Scheme is to improve educational access and quality for Scheduled Castes students, especially in areas where educational services are limited. It aims to create an environment that supports both education and socio-economic growth for SC communities by backing institutions that provide residential and non-residential education.
Financial Support to NGOs for Education Projects
Under Mode-II of the SHRESHTA Scheme, the government gives financial grants to NGOs running educational projects for SC students. These projects include:
- Residential Schools
- Non-Residential Schools
- Hostels for both primary and secondary students
This financial help allows NGOs to maintain and grow their educational services, making sure SC students get quality education in a supportive setting.
Also Read – Cabinet Approves MERITE Scheme to Enhance Technical Education Across India
Mode-I: Selecting Meritorious SC Students for Quality Residential Education
Started in the 2021-22 update of the scheme, Mode-I focuses on selecting meritorious SC students nationwide for admission into top residential high schools. The selection process involves a nationwide entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This scheme gives bright SC students access to some of the best educational institutions in the country, improving their academic and career chances.
Mode-II: Support for Residential Schools, Non-Residential Schools, and Hostels
Mode-II covers a wide range of projects aimed at improving educational infrastructure and support for SC students. It includes funding for residential schools, non-residential schools, and hostels for both primary and secondary levels. This complete approach makes sure students get ongoing support throughout their schooling years.
Impact on Socio-Economic Growth of Scheduled Castes
The SHRESHTA Scheme plays an important role in the socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes by improving educational access and quality. Education is a key factor for social mobility, and by helping SC students study in quality institutions, the scheme helps break the cycle of poverty and marginalization.
Improving Access to Quality Education in Service-Poor Areas
Many SC-dominant areas lack quality educational facilities. SHRESHTA addresses this gap by working with NGOs and government bodies to provide grants and support for educational projects. This effort makes sure students from these regions can get quality education without having to move far from their homes.
By focusing on both residential education for meritorious students and support for local educational institutions, the SHRESHTA Scheme creates a balanced way to uplift Scheduled Castes through education. If you or someone you know belongs to the Scheduled Castes community and is looking for quality education opportunities, checking out the SHRESHTA Scheme could be a helpful step towards a brighter future.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) |
| Target Group | Scheduled Castes Students |
| Mode-I | Selection of meritorious SC students via NTA entrance test for top residential high schools |
| Mode-II | Financial help to NGOs for residential schools, non-residential schools, and hostels |
| Coverage | Primary and Secondary Education |
| Implementing Agency | Government of India in collaboration with NGOs |
| Official Website | https://socialjustice.gov.in/ |
| Latest Update | Revised scheme effective from 2021-22 with new Mode-I component |