Record increase in scholarship distribution for SC students: Government commitment to educational empowerment
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale informed Lok Sabha about a record increase in scholarship distribution for Scheduled Caste students under two central schemes. The post-matric scholarship saw central assistance rise from Rs 1,930.38 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 6,186.96 crore in 2025-26, benefiting over 48 lakh students annually.
Background
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements the Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) and Pre-Matric Scholarship schemes for SC students. These centrally sponsored schemes aim to promote educational inclusion, reduce financial barriers, and ensure students can continue their studies with adequate financial support.
Key facts
Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) central assistance increased from Rs 1,930.38 crore (2021-22) to Rs 6,186.96 crore (2025-26).
In 2024-25, PMS benefited 48,04,208 SC students with central assistance of Rs 5,562.23 crore.
Pre-Matric Scholarship in 2025-26 benefited 26,79,049 SC students with central assistance continued.
PMS was revised in 2020-21; Pre-Matric Scholarship was revised in 2021-22.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is used for transparent, efficient, and timely disbursal of scholarships.
DBT for Pre-Matric Scholarship was implemented from 2022-23 onwards.
Scholarship amounts are directly credited to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Prelims pointers
- Post-Matric Scholarship for SCs (PMS)
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for SCs
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Lok Sabha
- 2020-21 (PMS revision)
- 2021-22 (Pre-Matric revision)
- 2022-23 (DBT for Pre-Matric)
- Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for development of vulnerable sections – SCs
- GS2: Issues relating to education – scholarships and access
- GS2: Role of DBT in ensuring transparency and efficiency in welfare schemes
- GS3: Inclusive growth and financial inclusion