(a) whether the total assistance released to the States as well as number of beneficiaries under the centrally sponsored scheme of pre-matric assistance to class IX & X has decreased by more than 40% from 2012-13 to 2013-14;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the corrective steps proposed to be taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA)
(a) & (b): The centrally sponsored scheme of Pre-matric Scholarship to Scheduled Caste Students studying in classes IX & X was introduced from 1.7.2012. During the year 2012-13, Central Assistance of Rs.931.37 crore was released to States/UTs, as per anticipated demand raised by States/UTs. Many States could not fully utilize the central assistance released during 2012-13. Due to large unspent balance amount available with the States/UTs, the demand made by them decreased during 2013-14 and Central Assistance released during 2013-14 was Rs. 546.53 crore, which was 41.31 % less than the previous year. The number of beneficiaries under this scheme indicated by States/UTs was 40,55,896 for 2012-13 and 27,38,058 for 2013-14.
(c): State Government/UTs have been advised to send their proposals in time and through PFMS portal so that scholarship is transferred directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.