Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment recently highlighted the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA).
Key Highlights of the SHRESHTA
- SHRESHTA aims to fill the educational service gap in Scheduled Castes (SCs) dominant areas by providing high-quality education, socio-economic upliftment, and overall development for SC students.
- Admission will be provided in Class 9 and Class 11 of CBSE/State affiliated private schools.
Eligibility
- The students, belonging to SCs, studying in class 8th and 10th in the current academic year are eligible for availing the benefits of the scheme.
- Students from the SC community who come from a marginalized income group with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh are eligible.
Operating Procedure
The scheme is being implemented in two Modes
Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools
Selection Process
- Meritorious SC students are selected annually through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Selected students are admitted to the best CBSE/State Board-affiliated private residential schools in classes 9th and 11th.
Financial Support
- The Department covers the total fee for students, including school and hostel fees, amounting to Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,35,000 from class 9th to 12th.
- Admissible fee for each class under the Scheme.
Bridge Course
- A bridge course is provided outside regular school hours to enhance students’ capability to adapt easily to the school environment.
- The Department bears 10% of the annual fee for the bridge course.
Monitoring
- The Ministry monitors the progress of students regularly.
Mode 2: NGO/VO Operated Schools/Hostels
- Schools/Hostels run by VOs/NGOs with classes up to 12th grade receive grants for school fees and residential charges for SC students.
- Grants range from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 55,000 per student based on the type of school.
Monitoring
- The Ministry monitors the progress of students regularly.
- Institutions are required to disclose performance on their websites and the e-Anudaan/online portal, ensuring transparency.
- Installation of cameras in institutions, providing live feeds for monitoring purposes.
- All the institutions are liable for a field visit by an inspection team constituted for this purpose.
Impact
- 2023-24 (as of December 2023): 7,543 beneficiaries.
- Admissions in 2023-24: A total of 2,564 students were admitted to 142 Private Residential Schools, and Rs. 30.55 Crore has been reimbursed for school fees.