The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a move to enhance educational opportunities for students from underprivileged backgrounds, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced the inauguration and foundation stone laying of 34 new residential hostels across various states and central institutions on February 29, 2024. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing effort to support Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students under the Construction/Repair of Educational Hostels for SC students (Under PM-AJAY) and the Construction of Educational Hostels for OBC boys and girls programs.
The ceremony, graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, alongside Secretary Shri Saurabh Garg, senior ministry officials, and local legislative members, marked a significant step towards promoting inclusive education. With a total investment of Rs.165.81 crore—Rs.143.45 crore for SC hostels and Rs.22.36 crore for OBC hostels—this effort aims to accommodate over 5,456 students, demonstrating a robust commitment to eliminating educational barriers for marginalized communities.
The financial commitment extends beyond the inauguration, with the Ministry allocating Rs.385.94 crores for the construction of 192 SC hostels and Rs.288.61 crores for OBC hostel construction under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, reflecting a strategic approach to bolstering educational infrastructure for SC and OBC students.
The significance of these efforts is underscored by enrollment statistics revealing a steady increase in the participation of SC and OBC students in higher education. SC student enrollment experienced a 25.4% increase over the past five years, with a notable rise in female SC student participation. Similarly, OBC student enrollment has shown a 27.3% increase since 2017-18, with OBC female students’ enrollment also on the rise. These trends highlight the Ministry’s success in enhancing the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for SC and OBC students, showcasing the transformative impact of its initiatives on promoting inclusivity and social equity in education.
As these hostels become beacons of hope and progress, they symbolize the Ministry’s unwavering dedication to empowering every student with the opportunities and support needed to achieve their educational aspirations. This commitment to fostering a nurturing and accessible learning environment underscores the government’s holistic approach to education reform, aiming to bridge gaps and ensure every student has the chance to succeed.
