Educational Support For SC/ST/OBC & Minority Students: University Coaching Initiatives

Educational Support For SC/ST/OBC & Minority Students: To ensure equal opportunities and support for students from SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), OBC (Other Backward Classes) (non-creamy layer), and minority communities, various coaching schemes have been implemented. These schemes aim to bridge the educational gap, enhance competitiveness, and support students in pursuing higher education. They are integrated with the General Developmental Assistance scheme of universities, offering additional aid to these institutions.

Remedial Coaching for SC/ST/OBC and Minority Community Students

Remedial Coaching is available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The primary goals are to

• Improve academic skills and linguistic proficiency across various subjects.
• Enhance comprehension of basic subjects to build a strong academic foundation.
• Strengthen knowledge, skills, and attitudes in subjects involving quantitative and qualitative techniques and laboratory activities.
• Provide career guidance and psychological counselling to support capacity building.

Coaching for Entry into Services

This scheme aims to prepare students from these communities for employment in Central and State services, as well as equivalent positions in the private sector. Key objectives include

• Equipping students to secure employment in Group A, B, and C services.
• Orienting students towards specific examinations like IAS, State Public Services, and Bank recruitment.
• Establishing Employment Information Cells to provide details about various competitive exams.

Coaching for National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET)

The objective here is to prepare candidates from SC/ST/OBC and minority communities for NET or SET exams. This ensures a sufficient number of qualified candidates for selection as lecturers in the university system.

Financial Assistance

Universities can apply for one or more components of the scheme based on student enrolment. Financial assistance covers both non-recurring and recurring items.

Non-Recurring Items (One-time grant of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per scheme during the XII Plan period)

• Books and Journals
• Audio-visual and teaching/learning aid material
• Computers with Printers
• Photocopiers
• Generators or Inverters

Recurring Items (Rs. 7 lakhs per university per scheme annually)

• Honorarium to the Coordinator (@ Rs. 2000/- per month)
• Remuneration to teachers and scholars
• Part-time staff with computer knowledge (contract basis @ Rs. 6000/- p.m.)
• Part-time Peon/Attendant (@ Rs. 1000/- p.m.)
• Contingency fund (@ Rs. 50,000/- per annum)

Remuneration Rates

• Rs. 300/- per hour for subject teachers
• Rs. 200/- per hour for postgraduate students/research scholars (theory classes)
• Rs. 150/- per hour for practical classes

In exceptional cases, eminent educationists can receive Rs. 500/- per hour plus travel allowances with institutional approval. Remuneration should be paid monthly without waiting for pending grants from the UGC.

Eligibility and Application Process

Universities and colleges eligible for central assistance under the UGC Act, 1956, with a sufficient number of SC/ST and minority students, can apply. Financial assistance is also extended to general candidates holding BPL (Below Poverty Line) cards. If SC/ST and minority students are insufficient, OBC (non-creamy layer) and poor general candidates’ participation can increase to 40%.

Application Steps

1. Contact the Registrar/Principal.
2. Submit applications in the prescribed format from the relevant department.
3. Ensure all information is correct before submission.
4. After verification, applicants can avail of the scheme’s benefits.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card
• Caste/Community Certificate
• Academic Transcripts or Mark Sheets
• Bank Account Details