LOK SABHA
POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR OBCs
5356. SHRI SRIDHAR KOTAGIRI:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Rs. 1000.46 crores was the Union Government’s expenditure for Post Matric Scholarships for OBCs for 43.12 lakh beneficiaries in 2018-19 and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it is also a fact that Rs. 1299.32 crores was the Union Government’s expenditure for Post Matric Scholarships for OBCs for 40.94 lakh beneficiaries in 2019-20 and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the reasons the expenditure increased but the number of beneficiaries decreased over the two years;
(d) whether the Government expenditure on Post Matric Scholarships for OBCs decreased in 2020-21 and if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the details of the number of beneficiaries of the scheme in 2020-21?
(SUSHRI PRATIMA BHOUMIK)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. A Statement indicating the State-wise physical and financial achievement is attached at Annexure.
(c): Government releases fund to the States/UTs for implementing the Scheme as per Notional Allocation conveyed at the beginning of every financial year. The scheme is funds-limited in nature and States/UTs are liable to make provisions for funds over and above central assistance to cover all eligible beneficiaries. Hence, it cannot be conclusively said that the number of beneficiaries decreased.
(d): During 2020-21, the Government has incurred 1159.24 crores for the scheme. The scheme is implemented and administered in accordance with the guidelines of the scheme and also subject to completeness of proposal in all respects from the states/UTs.
(e): State-wise number of beneficiaries for the year 2020-21 is given in Annexure.
Annexu re referred to in reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5356 for 05.04.2022
