The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) Scheme and the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs and Others to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) students pursuing education at various levels. These centrally sponsored scholarship schemes aim to promote educational inclusion, reduce financial barriers and ensure that deserving students are able to continue their studies with adequate financial support.

This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale in a written reply to Member of Parliament Shri Navaskani K in Lok Sabha.

The Minister informed the House that the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme was revised during 2020-21, while the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs and Others was revised in 2021-22. To ensure transparent, efficient and timely delivery of scholarship assistance, the Government has adopted the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, under which scholarship amounts are credited directly into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries, the statement added.

The written reply further stated that the reforms have resulted in a significant increase in financial assistance under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme. The Central assistance released under the scheme increased from ₹1,930.38 crores in 2021-22 to ₹6,186.96 crores in 2025-26. The scheme has consistently benefited nearly 48 lakh Scheduled Caste students annually in recent years. During 2024-25, a total of 48,04,208 beneficiaries received scholarships with central assistance amounting to ₹5,562.23 crore.

The Minister further informed the House that under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs and Others, the Government has continued extending financial support to lakhs of students. During 2025-26, central assistance amounting to   was released, benefiting 26,79,049 students. Since the implementation of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system under the scheme from 2022-23, scholarship disbursement has become more transparent, accountable and efficient.

The Government continues to strengthen educational opportunities for Scheduled Caste students through enhanced scholarship support and technology-enabled delivery mechanisms. By expanding coverage, increasing financial assistance and ensuring transparent transfer of benefits through DBT, the Ministry remains committed to promoting educational empowerment, social justice and equitable access to quality education for Scheduled Caste students across the country.

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PR – 025 TAR/KV/GA