SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SC/ST CANDIDATES-REVIEW

Special provisions for sc /st canditates



Government of India has taken number of steps to strengthen the educational base of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The following special provisions have been incorporated for SCs and STs in the existing schemes of Department of Higher Education: -

Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL): The Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore has a scheme of development of Indian Languages through research, developing manpower and production of materials in modern Indian Languages including tribal languages. The Institute has worked in more than 90 tribal and border languages.

National Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMSS): The National Scholarship Scheme and Scheme of Scholarship at the Secondary Stage for Talented Children from Rural Areas are in existence since 1961-62 and 1971-72 respectively. These have been merged and a new scheme entitled ‘National Merit Scholarship Scheme’ has been framed for implementation with revised provisions from 2005-06. The objective of the National Merit Scholarship Scheme is to support talented students and encourage them to excel academically in studies by giving recognition and financial assistance at post-metric level on state wise merit basis and also separately to talented and meritorious students in rural areas for Classes IX to X for all categories. The revised rate of scholarship varies from Rs. 250/- to Rs. 750/- p.m. depending on the level of education and course of study. The Scheme has been discontinued with effect from April, 2007. However, a New Central Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is proposed to be implemented.

National University of Educational Planning & Administration (NUEPA): Educational development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is an area of major concern of NUEPA. It carries out studies, seminars, symposiums, etc. and evaluates ongoing programes/existing educational programmes. It covers programmes and schemes for scheduled castes and scheduled Tribes. It also generates material for educational institutions.

University Grants Commission: University Grants Commission runs the Remedial Coaching Scheme with a view to improve the academic skills and linguistic proficiency of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students to prepare them for the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by UGC/CSIR.

UGC has earmarked 15% and 7.50% reservation for SCs and STs respectively in appointments, both in teaching and non-teaching posts, admissions, hostel accommodation, etc. in universities/colleges. State universities follow reservation policy of the respective state governments. The Commission issues guidelines/directives/instructions from time to time for implementation of reservation policy of the Government of India.

There is relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks for admission for SC/ST candidates.



UGC implements the Career Orientation programme for the graduates for gainful employment in the wage sector in general, and self-employment in particular for all including SCs/STs

Commission provides financial assistance for extension activities to SCs/STs.

Commission has created a Central Pool Database of eligible SC/ST candidates and recommends their candidature for teaching positions in universities and colleges.

SC/ST Cells: University Grants Commission provides assistance to universities/deemed universities for establishment of Special SC/ST Cells, to ensure effective implementation of reservation policy for SCs/STs in admissions, recruitment both in teaching and non-teaching posts, staff quarters/hostels, fellowships etc. Till now, 123 SC/ST Cells have been established in universities including deemed Universities.

In order to oversee the implementation of the reservation policy in Central/Deemed Universities, the Commission has constituted Monitoring Committee under the chairmanship of Secretary, UGC.

There is a Standing Committee on SCs and STs to review the performance of the implementations of reservation policy and advise the Commission on the matters.

Engineering Colleges: The higher educational institutions administered by the Central Government including IITs, IIMs, Regional Engineering Colleges, etc. provide reservation to the extent of 15% and 7.5% for SCs and STs students respectively in admissions. Apart from reservation, there is relaxation in minimum qualifying marks for admission and seats are reserved in hostels for SC/ST students. Reservation percentages vary in institutions run by the State Governments as per State Government’s policy.

Following facilities are provided to SCs and STs in Joint Entrance Examination conducted by IITs:

15% and 7.5% reservation for SCs and STs respectively. 50 seats for SCs and 22 seats for STs are available at IIT, Delhi.

Relaxation in qualifying norms.

Reduced cost of application form.



SC/ST candidates called for Counseling are paid single second class rail fare.



All SC/ST candidates admitted to IIT-BHU and IT-BHU are exempted from payment of tuition fees. In addition, all SC/ST students are granted free mess and a pocket allowance of Rs. 70/- per month subject to the fulfilment of norms of parental income.



Special facilities of Book Banks are provided. Some IITs have special Book Banks for exclusive use of SC/ST students.

Community Polytechnics: The scheme of Community Polytechnics has been in operation in selected diploma level institutions since 1978-79. It provides platforms for transfer of appropriate technologies to rural masses/local communities. Preference is given in training to rural youths, SCs, STs, women, school dropouts and other disadvantaged groups and helps them to obtain need based gainful employment. It applies Science and technology through skill oriented non-formal training, technology transfer and technical support services.



source;HRD