June 14, 2014
WB Govt launches Sikhashree scheme for SC/ST students
The State Cabinet Friday approved the Sikhashree scheme to encourage studentsof schedule castes (SC) and schedule tribes (ST) to go to schools and tominimise the number of school drop outs.
ST students from Class V to Class VIII areeligible for a one time grant of Rs 800 while SC students from Class V to ClassVIII are eligible for a one time grant of Rs 500-Rs 800 depending upon theincome of the parents.
The scheme will be effective from 25 Juneonwards. The decision was taken in order to encourage students from the SC andST community to go to schools and ensure minimum school drop outs.
Mr Partha Chatterjee, state educationminister, said that the initiative has been taken to encourage students of thiscommunity and to work on educational development.
In October 2013, the West Bengal governmenthad launched Kanyashree scheme, aprogramme initiated to prevent girls from being married off at a young age byencouraging education. It has benefited almost 9 lakh girls, since its launch.The state government has already allocated Rs 287 crore for the Kanyashree programme for 2013-2014.
According to the Kanyashree Prakalpa, unmarried girls between 13 and 18, studying betweenClass VIII – Class XII in an institute affiliated to the state government areeligible for a Rs 500 annual stipend. Class VIII had been identified as theclass where most girl students drop out of school. The one time Rs 25, 000grant for unmarried girls between 18 and 19, is also offered to enable them topursue higher education or a vocational course or a sports course in astate-government affiliated institute.
