TN CM Palaniswami writes to PM Modi over changes in matric scholarship for SC/ST

Highlighting the scholarship’s importance, Palaniswami observed that it has positively impacted the state in improving the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) beyond 45 per cent, and ensured social equity and social justice for economically disadvantaged SC/ST students enrolled under the management quota seats in self-financing institutions as they could not get admission under the government quota on merit.

Palaniswami sought that the scheme be funded under a sharing ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and state as in the case of other central schemes.

As per the recent revision of guidelines for the Post Matric Scholarship scheme, the Centre would not reimburse the fees claimed against the management quota/spot admission seat in any institution/university with effect from April 2018.

Palaniswami noted that non-reimbursement of fees for management quota seats under the new guidelines would impact the goal of social equity and social justice since it would deny opportunities to the poor SC/ST students in the fields of higher and technical education, and would dilute the state’s efforts in promoting SC/ST welfare.

“This may cause serious resentment and unrest among the SC/ST community,” the Chief Minister said. While pointing out the revision would only weaken attempts to achieve social justice, the Chief Minister said the allocation in the central budget had remained stagnant for the past many years though the awareness resulted in increased admission of SC/ST students to higher education.

Claiming that this has affected the scheme’s implementation at the field level, Palaniswami pointed out that as much as Rs 1,803.50 crore has accumulated as arrears pending reimbursement to the state until March 2018.

Calling for an increase in allocation and in view of the beginning of admission process for higher and technical education courses, Palaniswami urged Modi to direct the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to allow reimbursement of fees against management quota seats as well, without any change and release the pending central assistance to the states early.