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Context: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued instructions for private residential schools interested in joining the 2023-24 Schemes for Residential Education for Meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) Students (SHRESHTA).

Key points from the instructions

Eligibility Criteria for Schools

• Private residential institutions affiliated with CBSE up to class 12.
• Operational for at least 5 years.
• A pass percentage of 75 or more in class 10 and 12 over the last 3 years.
• Adequate infrastructure to accommodate at least 10 additional SC students in classes 9 and 11 combined.
• Residential status verified by data.

Consenting to the Scheme

• Schools interested in participating must submit their consent directly to the department.

Approval and Obligations

• Once approved, schools are obligated to accept the students allotted under the scheme.
• Any concerns regarding selection, funding, or allocation can be addressed directly to the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Understanding the Scheme

• Schools are directed to thoroughly understand the scheme by reviewing the official document.
• Specifics such as maximum scholarship amounts, seat availability, school obligations, and eligibility criteria are provided in the official document.

Data Display and Selection Process

• Selected schools are required to display year-wise and grade-wise admission statistics on their websites.
• The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment selects participating schools based on the data provided by the CBSE.

Enrollment and National Entrance Test

• Enrollment under the scheme is designated for students entering Class 9 and Class 11.
• The National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), selects 3,000 students annually for the scheme.
• Allocation to schools is determined through web counselling based on merit and student preferences.

Conclusion

• The CBSE's instructions outline the eligibility criteria for private residential schools, the process of consenting to and participating in the scheme, the obligations of schools, and the selection process for students. The scheme aims to provide educational opportunities and support for meritorious Scheduled Caste students in private residential schools.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following statements are the primary objectives of the SHRESHTA scheme? 1. Provide quality education to meritorious SC students in private residential schools. 2. Bridge the educational gap between SC and non-SC students. 3. Offer financial support to cover all academic and residential expenses for selected students. 4. Promote social mobility and break societal barriers for SC communities. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: D Explanation: The objective of the SHRESHTA scheme focuses on empowering meritorious SC students through education and addressing societal inequalities. Therefore, all four statements are accurate and represent the primary objectives of the SHRESHTA scheme (D): Statement 1: Provide quality education to meritorious SC students in private residential schools: This is the core objective of the scheme, aiming to offer top-notch education to deserving SC students, often lacking access to similar opportunities in their immediate surroundings. Statement 2: By providing quality education to SC students, the scheme aims to address the existing disparities in educational attainment and outcomes between SC and non-SC communities. Statement 3: To ensure accessibility, the scheme covers all expenses related to education and residential facilities for chosen students, removing financial barriers for talented SC individuals. Statement 4: By equipping SC students with knowledge, skills, and confidence through quality education, the scheme aims to foster social mobility and provide them with avenues to break through traditional societal barriers faced by their communities. Each objective plays a crucial role in achieving the overarching goal of the SHRESHTA scheme, which is to empower SC students and contribute to a more equitable educational landscape in India.