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589 Tribal Students getting Pre-Matric Scholarship invited as Special Guests for Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda to host the Students at his residence, on 26th January
First-ever visit for the tribal students, hailing from far-flung places to the national capital
By PIB Delhi
As the country is celebrating the Diamond jubilee of the Indian Republic on 26th January 2024, the Government has invited 663 tribal students and teachers as special guests for participation in Republic Day 2024 Celebrations in New Delhi. The contingent includes 589 students (258 girls, 331 boys) and 74 teachers from 31 States/UTs. These children are also beneficiaries of the Pre-Matric Scholarship given under the scheme, implemented by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. 
More than 100 children who arrived yesterday had an opportunity to visit the Prime Minister’s house and have a photo session with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Today, the children visited prominent historical places like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple etc. Tomorrow, the children will participate in the Republic Day Celebrations on the Kartavya Path which will be hosted by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, over High tea in the evening. The visit to Delhi and participation in the 75th Republic Day Celebrations is a lifetime experience for the tribal students who have come to Delhi for the first time from far-flung places.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been implementing a Pre-Matric Scholarship for tribal students. It is an open-ended Centrally Sponsored Scheme, implemented through respective State/UT administrations, covers tribal students studying in IX and X standards, with parental annual income not exceeding Rs. 2.50 lakhs. A stipend ranging from Rs. 2250 to Rs. 5250 p.a., and a book allowance ranging from Rs. 750 to Rs 1,000 p.a, is being given under the scheme. Divyangjan students are eligible to receive an additional grant of Rs. 9,600 p.a.
During the year 2022-23, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs released Rs. 357 crores, covering more than 12 lakh students. During the last 5 years (2018-19 to 2022-23), the Ministry has released Rs. 1751 crores under the Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme, benefitting nearly 13 lakh tribal children every year. The Ministry has allocated a budget of Rs. 411 crores for the year 2023-24 and has already released more than 150 crores to States/UTs under the Scheme.
