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SC/STs can study in top schools

Students from the backward communities will now rub shoulders with kids in top public schools

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NEW DELHI: Children from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes communities will soon be rubbing shoulders with the students of hip-and-happening public schools. Going beyond the policy of reservation, the government, in its attempt to provide social equality to the children of SC/ST and OBC has decided to be realistic and innovative in its approach.
 
The union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (SJ&E) plans to sponsor 24,000 meritorious students from the backward communities and help them take admissions in the top public schools of the country. Their education bill will be footed by the government.
 
A highly-placed official in SJ&E ministry said that the drop-out rates among the children of SC/ST/OBC have been found to the highest in the country.
 
The government has also noted that almost 70 per cent of these students drop-out of schools by the time they reach Class Ten. Equally startling is the fact that out of the remaining 30 per cent, only three per cent go on to become graduates.
 
“The main reasons for drop-outs were found to be the students’ struggle with the English language and lack of finances,” said the official.
 
“Since English is important to get jobs, we have decided to give them quality education by sending them to public schools,” he added. The move is in tune with Knowledge Commission’s recommendations on stressing more on English in government schools. 
 
“Public schools stress more on English. But since education in public schools is expensive, the poor cannot afford it. The government wants to make quality education available to them,” the official explained.
 
Hence, bright students from SC/ST and OBC won’t face the paucity of funds to pursue their education anymore. Government will provide assistance to students from Class I to X.
 
According to the plan, a panel of top five schools in the state and two in union territories will be made. Also, students doing exceptionally well in class VI and X will also get personal computers.
 
Public schools in Delhi have welcomed the move but are apprehensive of the outcome. Usha Ram, Principal of Laxman Public School said this would surely helpful in providing quality education to these children.
 
“It would be better if these children could join public schools from nursery or KG level itself, otherwise it would be difficult for them to cope up,” Usha Ram said.
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