Context: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has been actively implementing the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA).

About the SHRESHTA

• The SHRESHTA aims to address the educational gaps in service-deficient Scheduled Castes (SCs) dominant areas.

• It is implemented by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Objectives

• It provides high-quality education and foster socio-economic upliftment among SC students.

• It enhances the reach of government development interventions in SC-dominant areas, focusing on education and overall development of SCs.

Implementation Modes

• Mode 1: SHRESHTA schools (Best CBSE/State Board affiliated Private Residential Schools).

• Mode 2: NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) or VO (Voluntary Organizations) operated Schools or Hostels (existing component).

Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools

• Objective: Enhancing adaptability of students to the school environment.

• Cost: 10% of annual fee, borne by the Department.

• Monitoring: Progress of students monitored by the Ministry.

Selection Process

• Meritorious SC students selected through National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA).

• Selection based on performance and parental income (up to 2.5 lakh).

School Selection

• Committee selects best-performing private residential schools with over 75% pass percentage for classes 10 and 12.

Financial Support

• Total fee coverage for students, including school and hostel fees.

• Admissible fee ranges from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,35,000 for classes 9th to 12th.

Mode 2: NGO/VO operated Schools/Hostels

• Grant-in-aid: Provided for school fee and residential charges for SC students in schools with satisfactory performance.

• Grant Amount: Ranges from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 55,000 per student, depending on the type of school.

Monitoring Mechanisms

• Performance Disclosure: Institutions required to proactively disclose performance on websites and e-Anudaan or online portal.

• Data Management Information System (MIS): Real-time MIS for better reporting on output outcome indicators.

• Surveillance: Installation of closed-circuit cameras for live feed availability.

• Field Visits: Institutions liable for field visits by inspection teams.