CCEA approves continuation of Post Matric Scholarship for OBC Students for studying in India scheme

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved continuation and revision of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship for Other Backward Classes Students for studying in India (PMS-OBC) till 2020.
PMS-OBC is flagship scheme of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, in operation since 1998-99. It fully centrally sponsored scheme that aims to provide financial assistance to OBC students studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education.

Revised PMS-OBC

The revision in PMS-OBC scheme aims to ensure effective implementation and better monitoring of the schemes. It will cover larger numbers of eligible and deserving poor OBC students who will be able to pursue higher studies. It will also ensure effective implementation, achieve de-duplication and enhanced monitoring.
Under revised PMS-OBC, annual parental income ceiling has been increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh. Now onwards, 30% of funds will be earmarked for girl students and 5% for students with disabilities. Disbursement of scholarships will be now through Aadhaar seeded bank accounts. Central assistance for scheme will be released according to Notional Allocation since its funds are limited. Henceforth, concept of Committed Liability will not apply to States/UTs for releases.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2018