Ranchi: The state government has approved a significant increase in pre- and post-matric scholarship amounts for general category students studying in state-run schools. The move, sanctioned by Chief Minister Hemant Soren in his capacity as Minister of School Education and Literacy, will raise the amount by two to three times, benefiting thousands of students who earlier received minimal assistance.
After the revision, students of Classes 9 and 10 will receive Rs 450 instead of Rs 150, while those in Classes 11 and 12 will get Rs 500 instead of Rs 230. According to estimates, nearly 58,000 students across the state will benefit from the hike, which is expected to put an additional burden of around Rs 27 crore on the state exchequer. The enhanced amount is likely to be distributed within the current financial year.
The state had launched the Mukhyamantri Vishesh Chhatravriti Yojana in 2021 to extend financial aid to general category students, as SC, ST, and OBC students already receive scholarships under the Welfare Department. The revised rates are expected to provide meaningful support to general category students pursuing education in government institutions.
The Directorate of Secondary Education will oversee the disbursement, which will be made directly into students’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.