Efficacy of Minority-Centric Schemes

Government has said that Minority centric Centrally Sponsored Schemes viz. Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme, Post-matric Scholarship Scheme, Merit-cum-means based Scholarship Scheme, Free Coaching & Allied Scheme, Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) etc. are being implemented successfully during Eleventh Five Year Plan. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Vincent H. Pala, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, said that a study to evaluate the impact of these schemes has been entrusted to Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). He further informed the Huse that the Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) is being implemented in accordance with the guidelines. The identified Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) prepare district plans to address the identified development deficits which are approved by the Ministry. So far district plans worth Rs.3,340.19 crore have been approved. To ensure that maximum benefits accrue to minorities, priority is given for location of projects in villages/localities having a high percentage of minority population. Monitoring of implementation of projects is given special emphasis.