Welfare of Backward Classes - Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Matric / Post-Matric Scholarship for the OBC Children

• What are the eligibility conditions for Pre-matric & Post-matric Scholarship Schemes for OBCs?
• How does one apply for the Scholarship?
• Which courses are covered under A, B, C, D & E Groups?
• Is there a scholarship for CPL training for OBCs & what are the rates of Scholarship?
• What is committed liability?

Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls

• Which institutions/organizations are eligible for grants for construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls?
• Who are eligible for accommodation in the hostel?
• What is the existing funding pattern of the scheme?

What are the eligibility conditions for Pre-matric & Post-matric Scholarship Schemes for OBCs?

Ans. Those candidates belonging to OBCs having family income not exceeding Rs.44,500 per annum are eligible for Scholarship under both the Schemes.

How does one apply for the Scholarship?

Ans. The respective State's Department of Social Welfare / Department of Social Justice & Empowerment / Distt. Social Welfare Officer may be contacted.

Which courses are covered under A, B, C, D & E Groups?

Ans.

Group A

• Medical / Engineering including Degree level Courses in Indian Medicine, B.A.M&S and Comparable courses in Ayurveda, Unani / Tibbia and Homeopathic System of Medicines.
• B.Sc (Agriculture / B.V.Sc / B.F.Sc (Fisheries))
• Higher technical and all professional studies like Degree and Post-matric courses in Agricultural and Veterinary Science.

Group B

• Diploma level courses in Indian Medicine and Comparable courses in Ayurvedic, Unani / Tibbia and Homeopathic system of Medicine.
• Diploma & comparable courses in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, medicine, diploma level Courses in printing technology and courses for Overseer, draftsman, surveyor, Commercial Pilot License, Diploma and higher courses in Hotel Management catering technology and applied Nutrition.
• Degree and post-graduate course in nursing and pharmacy.
• Wireless and television operators / sound recording and sound engineering motion picture, photography, film direction / acting. screenplay / writing / Degree / post graduate Diploma courses in business management, Chartered and Cost / Works Accountancy.
• Post Graduate courses in Science subjects.

Group C

• Certificate courses in Engineering / Technology / Architecture and Medicine, Diploma and Certificate courses in Agriculture, Pharmacy, veterinary Science, Fisheries, Dairy development, Hygiene and Public Health, sanitary Inspector's Course, courses for Rural services, Cooperation and Community development, Sub-Officer' course at the national Fire Service College, Nagpur, Library Science.
• Degree/Post Graduate Diploma and Post Graduate Courses in Teachers' training, Library Science and Physical Education, Music Fine Arts and Law, Craft Instructor's Training Course, Certificate Course in Hotel Management/Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Passenger transport Management, Associate degree I Pharmacy, Post graduate courses in Arts and Commerce subjects.

Group D

• General Courses upto Graduate level (2nd year and onward)

Group E

• Classes XIth and XIIth in 10+2 System Intermediate courses and first year of General courses upto graduate level.

Is there a scholarship for CPL training for OBCs & what are the rates of Scholarship?

Ans. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment gives clearance to the concerned States/UTs on the first - come first-serve basis upto 20 awards for the country as a whole. The selected candidates will be provided a maintenance allowance at rates applicable to Group 'B' courses, i.e. Rs.290/- per month for hostlers and Rs.190/- per month for day scholars. In addition all compulsory fees, including flight charges are to be provided in fee.

What is committed liability?

Ans. The total expenditure incurred under Centrally Sponsored Scheme in the terminal year of the Five Year Plan is the committed liability of the States/UTs for every year of the subsequent Five Year Plan. However, N.E. States are exempted from the concept of committed liability.

Which institutions / organizations are eligible for grants for construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls?

Ans. Eligibility conditions:-

The organizations eligible for assistance are:

1. The State Government / Union Territory Administration concerned;
2. Institutions or organizations set up by Government as autonomous body under statute or as a society under the Registration of Societies Act, 1860 or otherwise;
3. Educational and other institutions owned and controlled by Central Government/State Government / Union Territory Administration.

Out of the hostels set up under this scheme at least one third will be exclusively for girls. 5% of the total seats in these hostels shall be reserved for disabled students.

Who are eligible for accommodation in the hostel?

Ans. The students belonging to socially and education ally backward classes notified as such in the Central / State / UT Administration Lists of Backward Classes, generally referred to as other Backward Classes (OBCs) are eligible for accommodation in these hostels. However, the students belonging to Creamy Layer are not eligible.

What is the existing funding pattern of the scheme?

Ans. Under the Hostels Scheme 50% central assistance will be given for construction to States and the remaining 50% of the construction cost will have to be borne by the concerned State Govt. (100% central assistance will be given to the Central Government Institutions and UTs proposing to set up hostels). However, the budget availability will have to be shown in advance while submitting the proposal for such construction by the States. The entire expenditure on procurement of land, staffing and other day-to-day maintenance expenditure shall be borne by the State Government / UT concerned.