New Delhi, 15 June (HS): A total of 4,742 students have benefited from the Centre's Top Class Education Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students since its launch, according to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The scheme aims to provide quality higher education opportunities to meritorious SC students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Under the scheme, eligible students receive support for pursuing higher studies in premier institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), National Law Universities (NLUs), National Institute of Design (NID), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other institutions of national importance.

The ministry said the scheme is available to students from families with an annual income of up to Rs 8 lakh.

According to official data, annual expenditure under the scheme has increased from Rs 2.17 crore in its initial years to Rs 117.19 crore.

Launched in 2007-08, the scheme is aimed at promoting educational empowerment, inclusion and equal opportunities for Scheduled Caste students.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar