15k students enrolled under Delhi govt’s free coaching scheme this yr: Minister

The Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas scheme was suspended last year in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, the government issued public notices announcing that it has resumed

Around 15,000 students have enrolled this year for coaching classes for various competitive exams at empanelled centres under a Delhi government scheme for children belonging to marginalised communities and economically backward households, said social welfare minister Rajendra Pal Gautam.

In 2018, when the scheme was open only for SC/ST students, around 5,000 students enrolled.(Photo for representation)

The Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas scheme -- open for students belonging to scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST), other backward classes (OBC) and those from families with annual income less than ₹8 lakh per annum, popularly called Economically Weaker Section (EWS) -- was suspended last year in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, the government issued public notices announcing that it has resumed.

Under the scheme, students can avail free coaching at 46 empanelled private coaching centres -- and, under special provisions, some non-empanelled centres too -- for a wide range of competitive exams including UPSC, CDS, banking exams, medical and engineering entrances, prominent law university entrances and management school exams.

In 2018, when the scheme was open only for SC/ST students, around 5,000 students enrolled. The next year witnessed enrolment of 15,000 students after the scheme was opened for OBC and EWS students, said Gautam.

“Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s resolve to uplift the poorest of poor students gets strength... Under the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana (scheme), meritorious students belonging to SC/ST/OBC and EWS categories receive free coaching from private institutes for competitive exams,” said the minister.

He further said, “It is the dream of CM Arvind Kejriwal that even the poorest of poor kids who want to become someone prominent receive assistance and support in fulfilling their dreams. If a kid from a family earning less than ₹8 lakh per annum is talented, they will no longer have to face the hurdles of poverty, the Kejriwal government will provide them free coaching. Other than tuition fees, we will also provide a stipend of ₹2,500 to the beneficiary students so that they do not face problems in their commute.”