Central Govt Releases ₹1,178 Crore Boost to Karnataka SC Students through Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme
Significant Funds Released for Post-Matric Scholarship in Karnataka
The Government has officially reported that a total Central share of ₹ 1,178.20 crore has been released to beneficiaries in Karnataka under the Centrally Sponsored Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students. This release covers funds allocated over the last three financial years.Shri Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, provided these crucial details during a response to Unstarred Question No. 2050 in the Rajya Sabha concerning Central funding for Scheduled Caste welfare in Karnataka.
The centralized support demonstrates sustained commitment to student education across the state. The funds were distributed based on the required share under this designated scholarship program.
Breakdown of Scholarship Allocations Over Three Financial Years
The financial allocation shows a distribution trend spanning the years 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26. The Central share provided in 2023-24 amounted to ₹ 421.08 crore.For the subsequent financial year, 2024-25, the allocation stood at ₹ 422.90 crore. This was followed by a release of ₹ 334.22 crore in the 2025-26 fiscal year. These three figures combine to form the total sum of ₹1,178.20 crore.
Operational Mechanism of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment oversees the Post-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes (SCs) students through State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. This scheme functions as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme designed to support education access.A key feature of this distribution is that it relies on the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, which has been in effect since 2021-22. The initiative aims to ensure direct and timely delivery of benefits to eligible students.
The release of the Central share is contingent upon the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations sharing the finally verified State/UT-paid data on the National Scholarship Portal. This system operates as a demand-driven scheme, open to all eligible students in recognized institutions nationwide.
Linkage to Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes (DAPSC)
The government response also addressed the framework of the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes (DAPSC). NITI Aayog issued guidelines in 2017 outlining how funds should be earmarked under DAPSC.Obligated Ministries and Departments are responsible for allocating funds through their respective schemes to ensure the socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes. These allocations are reflected transparently in Statement 10A of the Expenditure Profile of the Union Budget.
The entire process underscores a demand-driven mechanism, ensuring that scholarship support for eligible Scheduled Caste students is delivered efficiently using the DBT delivery system.
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