Chief secretary reviews implementation of post-matric scholarship schemes for SC, OBC students

Haryana chief secretary Anurag Rastogi on Monday reviewed the implementation of the centrally-sponsored Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) schemes for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) students.

The schemes are currently being implemented by seven departments—Higher Education, Technical Education, Medical Education and Research, Skill Development and Industrial Training, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, AYUSH, and School (Secondary) Education.

During the review meeting, Rastogi emphasised the need for timely disbursal of scholarships and directed all departments to clear pending cases without delay.

He further instructed the School Education Department to make full use of the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students and Component-I of the Pre-Matric Scheme for OBC students—both funded by the Government of India.

Highlighting the need for financial discipline, Rastogi called for the timely submission of Utilisation Certificates (UCs) to ensure prompt reimbursement from the Centre. To enhance transparency and accountability, he directed the mandatory implementation of Aadhaar-based biometric e-KYC for all institutions and nodal officers involved in executing the schemes.

Rastogi reiterated the state’s commitment to ensure that no eligible student was deprived of educational opportunities.

G Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary of the SEWA Department, presented a comprehensive overview of the PMS scheme for SC students. She informed that the centrally-sponsored scheme follows a 60:40 cost-sharing model between the Centre and the State, offering scholarships that include two components: compulsory non-refundable fees, and an academic allowance ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 13,500 per annum, depending on the course category. Eligibility is limited to students with an annual family income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh.

Haryana Tribune