Strict Guidelines for SHRESHTA Schools: No Additional Fees for SC Students

New Delhi, July 8 (PTI): The central government has issued a stern warning to schools participating in its premier SHRESHTA scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students, prohibiting them from charging additional fees for admission, uniforms, books, and other expenses, which contravenes the established guidelines.

This warning follows reports of some schools demanding charges under various categories, including security deposits, picnic fees, medical costs, books, uniforms, and stationery.

In an official communication dated July 7, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment clarified to all involved residential schools that no fees or extra charges should be levied on SC students admitted in classes 9 and 11 under the SHRESHTA (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) programme.

The ministry emphasized that all educational and boarding costs are to be reimbursed by the government directly to the schools based on actual expenses or a prescribed limit, whichever is lower. "Under no circumstances should any fee or additional charges be levied on the beneficiary by SHRESHTA schools," stated Under Secretary Rakesh Kumar, highlighting that the scheme’s objective is to guarantee high-quality, fully funded education to SC students in top-performing residential schools.

Despite this provision, the ministry has received multiple reports of schools requiring money under different headings. Such actions are a direct breach of the rules, warned the ministry, which emphasized that "strict action" would be taken against non-compliant institutions via the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The ministry urged schools to fully adhere to the guidelines to ensure the smooth execution of the scheme. "Your immediate attention and compliance with the scheme guideline are appreciated to ensure equal educational opportunities to SC students," stated the official letter.

SHRESHTA is a targeted government initiative designed to bridge the educational divide for SC students by placing them in reputed private residential schools through a national entrance test (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Upon admission, students receive funding until class 12, and may also qualify for post-matric and top-class scholarship schemes. For the 2025-26 academic year, 3,000 new seats are available for classes 9 and 11. Schools that meet quality criteria, such as consistent academic performance and adequate infrastructure, were requested to confirm their participation in the programme by March 10.

The scheme offers additional assistance, such as bridge courses to facilitate a smooth transition for the students, and covers tuition, hostel, and mess fees. The ministry also cautioned that non-compliance with the scheme's terms could result in both financial penalties and blacklisting.

The SHRESHTA scheme is pivotal to the government's efforts to dismantle structural barriers in education, as stated in their appeal to schools to uphold the principles of inclusion and equity.

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