Here are two Schemes for the Economically Backward Classes (EBCs)

The debate on reservations often brings up the issue of poorer sections of society from the General Category and what the government is doing for their welfare. Two schemes that are specifically designed for the poorer sections from the General Category are the Post-Matric Scholarship & Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies.

[orc]

The debate on reservations often brings up the issue of poorer sections of society from the General Category and what the government is doing for their welfare. Here are two central sector schemes, specifically designed for the Economically Backward Classes (EBCs). The extremely poor people having annual income less than Rs.1.00 lakh and who do not belong to any social category such as SC/ST/OBC, have been categorized as Economically Backward Classes (EBCs). The following schemes are being implemented by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for welfare of the EBCs;

Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for EBC Students

This is a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme being implemented through the State Government and Union Territories. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the EBC students studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage. The income ceiling of parents/guardians for eligibility is Rs.1.00 lakh per annum.

Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies for EBCs

The objective of the scheme is to award interest subsidy to meritorious EBC students to provide them better opportunities for higher education abroad and enhance their employability.

To be eligible under the scheme, a student should come under the income ceiling of Rs. 1.00 lakh per annum. 50 % of the outlay every year is earmarked for Girl students. The provisional list of selected students is regularly uploaded on the website of the Ministry of Social Justice.