Centre provided ₹7,981 crore in assistance to Scheduled Caste students

With the aim of promoting the educational advancement and empowerment of over 7.5 million Scheduled Caste students across the country, the Central Government has spent more than ₹7,981 crore during the 2025-26 financial year. Union Minister Virendra Kumar stated that the government's objective is to ensure inclusive development and social justice for all sections of society.

We are highlighting this matter because education remains the most powerful instrument for promoting equality within society. Many meritorious students fall behind simply due to financial conditions. In my view, such assistance constitutes not only a financial grant, but rather an opportunity to build a future. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to be informed about such government initiatives.

More than 7.5 million students have received this support. In other words, a vast number of families across the country have benefited from this scheme. According to government data, over ₹7,981 crore was allocated for Scheduled Caste students during the 2025–26 period. These funds were distributed through various educational assistance schemes.

The Minister stated that the government is applying targeted welfare schemes to ensure social justice and inclusive development. Particular emphasis is being placed on the educational empowerment of excluded and disadvantaged students.

The Ministry of Social Justice works not only for the Scheduled Castes but also for various other sections of society. These include the OBC community, senior citizens, transgender individuals, manual scavengers, sanitation workers, and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

Educational assistance funds are typically utilised across various categories, such as school and college fees, expenses for books and study materials, hostel support, scholarships, opportunities for higher education, and training and skill development.

In my view, this form of assistance effectively enables students to continue their studies. The government has reported a consistent increase in expenditure under SC welfare schemes; notably, there has been a 21 per cent rise in the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme. This indicates a strong emphasis on enhancing support within the education sector.