Daily News Analysis

Shreshta scheme

Context: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment recently highlighted the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA).

Key Highlights of SHRESHTA:

Objective:

SHRESHTA aims to address the educational service gap in areas dominated by Scheduled Castes (SCs) by providing high-quality education, socio-economic upliftment, and overall development for SC students.

Admission Criteria:

Admission is offered in Class 9 and Class 11 of CBSE/State-affiliated private schools.

Eligibility:

Students from SCs in Class 8th and 10th with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh are eligible.

Operating Procedure:

Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools:

Selection Process:

Meritorious SC students are chosen through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Admitted to the best CBSE/State Board-affiliated private residential schools in classes 9th and 11th.

Financial Support:

The Department covers total fees, including school and hostel fees, amounting to Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,35,000 from class 9th to 12th.

Bridge Course:

A bridge course is offered outside regular school hours to enhance students' adaptability.
The Department covers 10% of the annual fee for the bridge course.

Monitoring:

Regular monitoring of students' progress by the Ministry.

Mode 2: NGO/VO Operated Schools/Hostels:

Grants:

Schools/Hostels run by VOs/NGOs with classes up to 12th grade receive grants for school fees and residential charges for SC students.
Grants range from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 55,000 per student based on the type of school.

Monitoring:

Regular monitoring of students' progress by the Ministry.
Institutions are required to disclose performance on their websites and the e-Anudaan/online portal, ensuring transparency.
Installation of cameras in institutions for live feeds and periodic field visits by inspection teams.

Impact (2023-24):