NEW DELHI: The Delhi government is mulling over a proposal to launch a new scholarship scheme for boys from SC/ST/OBC and minority communities on the lines of the Ladli Scheme even as the department for the welfare of SC/ST/OBC is dealing with massive pending claims under seven existing student subsidies.
The proposal to launch a scheme to provide financial assistance to boys on completion of their studies at state government-run schools has been sent for Cabinet approval.
“We feel the boys in these sections of the society also need the financial backing for further studies. We are planning to execute a scheme on the lines of Ladli Scheme for boys,” A K Srivastav, Joint Director SC/ST/OBC department told The Sunday Standard.
The department, meanwhile, is currently dealing with roughly around 6,000 pending claims from 2015 under various subsidies that the Delhi government provides to students. Currently there are around 13 lakh student beneficiaries under the welfare net of the Delhi government from the SC/ST and OBC category.
Funds for the new scheme will be diverted from the financial assistance for the purchase of stationery to SC/ST/OBC and Minorities students, said the official. “The pendency is from 2015 — when the process for applying was offline. The offline process is lengthy and needs a lot of paper work. To address the issue, two years ago we switched to the online system which is working fine, ” said Srivastav.
“The scheme aimed at providing financial incentives to children is a good initiative. However, students from weaker sections take admissions in government school but drop out later due to various reasons. Government needs to address this issue more. Nevertheless, this new scholarship is indeed a step in the right direction,” said Ashok Aggarwal, education activist. Currently, the students are provided `1,000 per month from Class 1-12 to purchase stationary.