| University Grants Commission (UGC) is implementing multiple schemes and provisions for educational empowerment of minorities such as SCs, STs and others, including the establishment of equal opportunity cells and scholarships.
Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani informed Lok Sabha that educational empowerment schemes such as establishing residential coaching academies for SCs, STs and women in central universities, deemed to be universities, establishment of equal opportunity cells for SCs, STs and minorities are being implemented by the UGC.
Other University Grants Commission sponsored schemes are post-doctoral fellowships for SC, ST, Rajiv Gandhi national fellowships for SCs, STs, setting up of a centre for studies in social exclusion and inclusive policy, remedial coaching schemes for SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities, scheme of career oriented courses in universities and colleges, construction of women’s hostels for colleges, as reported by PTI.
Irani said, during question hour, that Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission Act) 2006, which came into effect from January 4, 2007, provides for 15%, 7.5% and 27% reservation in admission of students belonging to SCs, STs and OBCs, respectively in central educational institutions established, maintained or aided by the central government. |