Restha Scheme

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Context - The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment presented the Review report on Restha Scheme in the Lok Sabha.

About Restha Scheme

It is a Central Sector Scheme of “Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary and other Organizations working for Scheduled Castes” under which financial assistance is provided to the NGOs for projects related to the Education sector to Scheduled Caste students.
The Ministry of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the implementing agency.
The Scheme broadly covers 3 types of projects namely;
- Residential Schools
- Non-Residential Schools
- Hostels
The scheme is applicable to both for Primary and Secondary Students.
In 2021, The scheme was renamed as Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESTHA), which is operated in two Modes.
- Under Mode-I: Every year a specified number of meritorious SC students in States/UTs, whose parent's annual income is up to Rs. 2.5 Lakh, are selected for providing quality residential education in Top-class Private Residential High Schools.
- Under Mode-II” Ongoing projects of Non-residential schools/Residential Schools/ Hostels of the VOs/NGOs are supported.
The SHRESHTA (NETS) 2022 will be conducted for admissions in classes 9th and 11th only for SC candidates whose parental annual income is up to Rs. 2.5 lacs.
The students have to apply online for a National Entrance Test to get benefits from the scheme. The entrance exam SHRESTHA (NETS) is organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Significance of the SHRESTHA Scheme

It fills the gap in service-deprived Scheduled Castes (SCs) dominant areas in the sector of education by collaborating with voluntary organizations.
It provides an environment for socio-economic upliftment and overall development of the Scheduled Castes (SCs).
It provides access to high-quality education to bright Scheduled Caste (SC) students so that they can secure future opportunities.
Provides an entry at Class 9th and 11th in CBSE affiliated residential schools for completion of education till 12th.