SHRESHTA scheme

11.10.2023

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Why in the news?

The expenditure under the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) from 2020-21 to 2023-24 was released recently.

About SHRESHTA scheme

• The Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the Residential Education for Students in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) Scheme.
• The scheme is Launched on June 2022.

• Admission will be provided in Class 9 and Class 11 of CBSE affiliated private schools.

Eligibility

• Under this scheme, around 3000 SC students with parents' annual income up to 2.5 lakh are selected annually based on their merit.
• The selection will be done through a transparent mechanism which is known as National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS).
• It will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission in class 9th and 11th.

Benefits of the scheme

For the students taking admission under this scheme, their entire fee including school fees (tuition fees) and hostel fees (mess charges) will be waived off.  Admissible fees for each class are specified as follows- 9th: ₹1,00,000, 10th: ₹1,10,000, 11th: ₹1,25,000, 12th: ₹1,35,000.

The Objective of scheme

• to enhance the reach of development Intervention of the Government and to fill the gap in service deficient SCs dominant areas, in the sector of education through the efforts of grant-in-aid institutions (run by NGOs) and residential high schools offering high quality education.
•  to provide an environment for socio economic upliftment and overall development of the Scheduled Castes (SCs).
•  to provide easier access to the meritorious SC students in the best schools in the Country for their Educational and Holistic Development, thereby securing their future opportunities.
• to expand the reach of government development initiatives and address service deficiencies in SC-dominant areas within the education sector.

• The scheme aims to achieve this through the collaboration of grant-in-aid institutions run by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and residential high schools offering high-quality education.

Modes of implementation:-

The scheme is being implemented in two Modes:-

 SHRESHTA Schools (Best CBSE/State Board Affiliated Private Residential Schools).

• Under this mode, a specific number of meritorious SC students from States/Union Territories are selected through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

• These selected students are admitted to the best private residential schools affiliated with CBSE/State Boards in the 9th and 11th grades, enabling them to complete their education up to the 12th standard. The selection process involves identifying the best-performing CBSE-based private residential schools with over 75  percent pass percentage for the past three years.

• Approximately 3000 SC students with parents' annual income up to 2.5 lakh are chosen annually based on their merit.

• The scheme also incorporates a bridge course within the selected schools, targeting the individual academic requirements of students and aiding their adjustment to the school environment. The cost of the bridge course, equivalent to 10% of the annual fee, is also covered by the Department. The Ministry will regularly monitor the students' progress.

 NGO/VO Operated Schools/Hostels (EXISTING COMPONENT)

• This mode applies specifically to schools and hostels run by voluntary organizations (VOs) and NGOs, offering education up to class 12.

• Schools and hostels receiving grant-in-aid and demonstrating satisfactory performance will continue to benefit under this mode.

• Grants under this scheme are provided to cover school fees and residential charges for SC students admitted to these schools.

• The grant amount per SC student is specified based on applicable guidelines.

• The SHRESHTA scheme signifies the government's commitment to ensuring quality education and holistic development opportunities for SC students.

Steps by the Government to reform Education Sector

• The 86th Constitution Amendment provides the Fundamental right to free and compulsory education under Article 21A includes a Common education System where the “rich and Poor are educated under one roof".
• Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan provides funding to eligible State higher educational institutions.

Source:PIB