Kerala Chief Minister launches model projects for SC and ST students

The first phase of the model project to improve the education of students belonging to Schedules Caste and Scheduled Tribes launched by the Kerala Chief Minister.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched the first phase of a model project that aims to improve, enhance and facilitate the education of students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. So many students belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, do not have adequate facilities at home for their children to study. To address this issue, the government has decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakhs to the members of the community to set up a study room adjacent to their house. Study materials along with computers will also be made available once the room is completed, the Chief Minister said.
"Today marks the inauguration of the completion of 12,250 study rooms across the state. An additional 3,750 study rooms will be completed this year. In addition, 8,500 study rooms will be created by 2021. This would be a model project for the entire country," the Chief Minister added.

Under the same project, community (public) study rooms are being set up for the students from Scheduled Tribe and 250 community study rooms have already been completed using public facilities such as community halls. One classroom can accommodate up to 30 students. The government aims to have a total of 500 community study rooms. The Kerala Government seeks to empower the education of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe children by providing maximum assistance and support.

Scheduled Caste students from Class 5 to Class 8 get very little educational assistance. Noting that educational assistance of Rs 2,000 per child per year is being provided, he said 1,20,000 Scheduled Caste children are getting this benefit.

"The lump-sum grant and stipend for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students have been increased by 50 per cent. A scheme has been started for Medical-Engineering Entrance Examination coaching for 1,000 Scheduled Caste students who have completed Plus Two," the Chief Minister said.

The Scheduled Caste Development Department is also taking steps to madernize 44 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). New blocks have also been constructed for 15 ITIs. The government will also provide breakfast and lunch to the students who are studying here. An order has been issued to sanction up to Rs 25 lakhs for Scheduled Caste students pursuing postgraduate courses in top universities abroad. "Also, steps have been taken to provide free training to 300 people in the Civil Service Academy under the state government," he added.

Read More: