Neha BaruahThe PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI), spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is a transformative initiative. It aims to uplift students from marginalized communities such as Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) by providing financial support and access to quality education.
The Evolution of PM-YASASVI
The PM-YASASVI scheme is the culmination of previous scholarship programs. It integrates initiatives like:
- Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for EBCs
- Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for DNTs
Introduced in 2021-22, the consolidation ensures seamless financial aid for disadvantaged students, fostering better educational outcomes.
Objectives: A Vision for Inclusive Education
The primary goal of PM-YASASVI is to break down financial barriers and promote educational empowerment among vulnerable groups. By supporting students at different academic levels, the scheme nurtures both personal growth and social inclusion.
Scholarship Categories under PM-YASASVI
PM-YASASVI operates through five key sub-schemes designed to meet the specific educational needs of students:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship – For students in Classes IX and X
- Post-Matric Scholarship – For higher secondary and post-secondary education
- Top-Class School Education – For exceptionally talented school students
- Top-Class College Education – For outstanding students pursuing higher education
- Hostel Construction Initiative – To provide accommodation for OBC students
Pre-Matric Scholarship
- Annual Allowance: ₹4,000 per student
- Family Income Limit: ₹2.5 lakh
- Budget Allocation (2023-24): ₹32.44 crore
This scholarship ensures that students from low-income families can pursue secondary education without financial stress.
Post-Matric Scholarship
- Allowance Range: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 (based on the course)
- Budget for 2023-24: ₹387.27 crore
The Post-Matric Scholarship aids students enrolled in post-secondary courses, from undergraduate degrees to vocational programs.
Top-Class Education: Nurturing Talent
- School Level Support: Up to ₹1.25 lakh annually for students from Class 9 to 12
- College Level Support: Full funding for tuition, living expenses, and other academic needs
This program ensures that meritorious students have the resources they need to thrive in prestigious institutions.
Hostel Construction
- Funds Allocated (2023-24): ₹12.75 crore
- Purpose: Construction of hostels for OBC students, enabling them to live near educational institutions
This initiative addresses housing challenges and ensures that students from rural or remote areas have better access to academic facilities.
Key Achievements and Financial Impact
The scheme’s impact has been substantial in the financial year 2023-24:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship: ₹193.83 crore allocated, benefiting 19.86 lakh students
- Post-Matric Scholarship: ₹988.05 crore allocated, supporting 27.97 lakh students
- Hostel Construction: ₹14.30 crore allocated to house 1,146 students
The top-class education schemes have also received significant investments, ensuring that thousands of students can pursue higher education in leading institutions.
Benefits of PM-YASASVI
The PM-YASASVI scheme addresses structural inequalities in education by providing financial aid to OBC, EBC, and DNT students. It promotes:
- Inclusivity: Ensuring marginalized students have equal opportunities
- Academic Empowerment: Supporting students to reach their full potential
- Social Mobility: Creating pathways for upward mobility through education
A Step Towards a More Equitable India
The PM-YASASVI scheme is revolutionizing India’s educational landscape. By empowering disadvantaged students, it aligns with the government’s vision of building an inclusive society where everyone has the chance to succeed.
This initiative is more than just a scholarship program—it is a foundation for lifelong growth, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to shape a brighter future.
Neha Baruah
