Karnataka increases financial incentives for SC/ST students

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Karnataka's Social Welfare Minister, HC Mahadevappa, announced a significant increase in the incentive funds for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying in national institutions. The state government has raised the financial aid from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh for students enrolled in prestigious institutes such as IITs, IIMs, IISc and NITs. Mahadevappa emphasised that the initiative reflects the government's commitment to supporting the educational progress of SC and ST students, inspired by the vision of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The aim is to empower these students to achieve higher academic success, enabling them to contribute to nation-building.

In addition to this, the minister outlined further support measures for SC students, including a one-time financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for those scoring above 95 per cent in the PUC exams and securing a management quota seat in MBBS through NEET. SC students in MBBS who score over 60 per cent in their first year will also be eligible for this incentive. Encouraging youth to utilise these initiatives, Mahadevappa added, "Higher education should be a common goal for Scheduled Communities. This initiative underscores our government's dedication to creating equal opportunities for all."