New Delhi: More than 2.22 crore Scheduled Caste (SC) students have benefitted from the Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) and Top-Class Education Schemes over the past five years, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale informed the Rajya Sabha.

In a written reply, Athawale said 2,22,31,139 students received assistance under the PMS scheme, while 20,340 students benefitted from the Top-Class Education scheme during the period.

“These schemes have significantly contributed to improving the educational standards of SC students pursuing higher education, while also reducing their financial burden,” the minister said.

He noted that the schemes have enabled SC students to access quality education in premier institutions such as IITs, IIMs, IIITs, AIIMSs, NITs, NIFTs, NIDs, IHMs, and NLUs, among others.

The financial assistance has not only helped enhance socio-economic mobility but also addressed the economic and social disadvantages faced by the SC community, Athawale added.