Bridging Gaps: Why Expanding SC/ST Scholarships Matters

In India’s journey toward social justice, ensuring equity is as important as ensuring equality. Equity means recognizing that some communities start from a position of disadvantage and require greater support to compete on a level playing field.

SC/ST scholarships are more than financial aid—they are a strategic tool to:

✅ Prevent school dropouts after Class 8

✅ Reduce child labour by supporting families economically

✅ Address literacy gaps (SC – 66%, ST – 58% vs national average – 73%)

✅ Build capabilities for economic and social mobility

Yet, many eligible learners are excluded due to the low annual income threshold of ₹2.5 lakh for eligibility. The Union Government is now considering revising this limit—possibly up to ₹4.5 lakh—to ensure more deserving individuals benefit.

Between 2020–21 and 2023–24, beneficiaries have dropped from 58 lakh to 20 lakh. A higher threshold could reverse this decline and make these scholarships a more effective instrument of affirmative action.

Expanding these schemes isn’t just about education—it’s about empowering communities to break cycles of poverty and achieve long-term self-reliance.

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