Parliamentary Panel Recommends Revision of Rs 8 Lakh Ceiling for Coaching Scheme

A Parliamentary Standing Committee report urged the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) to review and upwardly revise the Rs 8 lakh annual family income ceiling required to access the central Free Coaching Scheme. The committee expressed disappointment over delays in scholarship disbursements and restricted reach among eligible marginalized students.

The Free Coaching Scheme for SC and ST students was instituted to provide financial assistance for coaching classes targeting competitive exams, including UPSC, SSC, banking, and entrance tests. However, fixed income criteria without periodic inflation adjustments have created entry barriers for eligible candidates from low-income income brackets.

The panel's findings emphasized streamlining direct benefit transfer (DBT) mechanisms, updating income assessment standards, and setting mandatory timelines for educational fund disbursal across states.

Social Justice, affirmative action policies, and welfare mechanisms for vulnerable sections are essential elements of Indian Polity and Governance curricula. UPSC aspirants should understand the constitutional provisions under Article 15 and Article 16 concerning educational advancement.