Government Scheme, In a noteworthy initiative aimed at elevating the standard of education for school students in India, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the ‘Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas’ (SHRESHTA).
This program is strategically crafted to offer top-tier education to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) while simultaneously extending the scope of developmental efforts in areas predominantly inhabited by SC communities within the education sector.
Modes of Implementation of this Government Scheme
The SHRESHTA program is structured to operate through two distinct approaches, each tailored to meet the educational requirements of students belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC).
- Enrollment in CBSE/State Board Affiliated Private Residential Schools:
- Under this approach, accomplished SC students will have the opportunity to secure admission to carefully selected private schools affiliated with either the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or State Boards.
- The identification of eligible candidates will be carried out through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Those who successfully pass this test will be admitted to private residential schools in the 9th and 11th grades, enabling them to complete their education up to the 12th standard.
- Eligibility Criteria: Annually, approximately 3000 SC students with parents earning an annual income of up to 2.5 lakh will be chosen based on their academic merit.
- Admission in NGO Operated Schools:
In this mode, schools and hostels operated by voluntary organizations (VOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will provide education up to the 12th grade. These educational institutions, supported with grant-in-aid and demonstrating commendable performance, will continue to offer education within the framework of the SHRESHTA program.
Benefits of the Initiative
Students enrolled under this scheme will have their entire fee structure waived, covering both school fees (tuition fees) and hostel fees (mess charges). The applicable fees for each grade level are as follows: 9th: ₹1,00,000, 10th: ₹1,10,000, 11th: ₹1,25,000, 12th: ₹1,35,000.
Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to partake in a bridge course offered within these selected schools, tailored to address their individual academic needs and facilitate their transition into the school environment. The cost of the bridge course, which amounts to 10% of the annual fee, is also covered under the program.
The Ministry of Education will diligently oversee the progress of students benefiting from this initiative.
Pursuing Quality Education Access
The SHRESHTA program stands as a commendable endeavor to ensure that students belonging to the Scheduled Castes access high-quality education without the financial burden of fees. By presenting two distinct implementation modes, the program endeavors to reach a wider spectrum of students and enhance their accessibility to quality education.
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