PM YASASVI

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Context: The PM YASASVI scheme allocated ₹419.71 crore in 2023 for pre and post-matric scholarships, benefiting OBC, EBC, and DNT students.

Details

• The PM YASASVI (Prime Minister's Scheme for Scholarship and Vocational Education for the Youth of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) scheme for the year 2023 has allocated a total of ₹419.71 crore for pre and post-matric scholarships.
• The PM Young Achievers Scholarship Grant Scheme (YASASVI) by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJ&E) aims to provide scholarships to students from economically disadvantaged classes.
• This initiative aims to support students belonging to Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Class (EBC), and Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT) in pursuing their education from pre-matriculation to post-secondary stages.

Objectives

• Empowering students from marginalized communities.
• Ensuring equitable access to education.
• Fostering a brighter future for the youth of India.

PM YASASVI encompasses five sub-schemes catering to diverse educational needs

• Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: Provides financial assistance to students studying in classes 9th and 10th. Selection is based on merit and annual parental income must not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
• Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: Offers scholarships for students pursuing higher education after class 10th. Selection is based on merit and income criteria, with varying categories for different levels of education and streams.
• Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: Supports meritorious students from class 9th onwards with funding for education in residential schools (Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, etc.). Selection is through the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET).
• Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: Facilitates access to quality higher education by providing scholarships for students enrolled in top universities and colleges identified by the Government. Selection is through YET and marks obtained in qualifying examinations.
• Construction of Hostel for OBC Boys and Girls: Aims to address the lack of affordable accommodation for OBC students by constructing hostels across the country. This will offer safe and conducive living environments for students pursuing higher education in cities.

Challenges and Future Prospects

• Limited outreach: Despite efforts, the scheme may not reach all eligible beneficiaries, particularly in remote areas.
• Sustainability of funding: Long-term funding is crucial for the scheme's success, and innovative financing models need to be explored.
• Addressing social barriers: Stigma and discrimination against marginalized communities can hinder access to education, requiring social awareness campaigns alongside financial support.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are essential to assess the scheme's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Conclusion

• The PM YASASVI scheme aims to uplift socially and educationally backward classes by providing financial assistance and support for their education, thereby contributing to their socio-economic development and creating opportunities for a better future.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. While digital initiatives like the National Education Policy emphasize technology integration, access to the internet and devices remains uneven across regions and classes. How can the system bridge this digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology-driven learning opportunities?