08-07-2025
SHRESHTA schools demand illegal fees from students, says Social Justice Ministry
The Social Justice Ministry has flagged multiple SHRESHTA schools for charging SC students illegal deposits, violating the scheme's rules that promise free residential education.
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The Social Justice Ministry has found that numerous schools operating under its SHRESHTA program, which was created to give Scheduled Caste students access to high school education, are requesting "deposits" from parents and students under a variety of guises, which is against the program's rules, which were intended to give beneficiaries access to high-quality free education.
The Social Justice Ministry issued a letter to the schools on Monday, stating: 'Regrettably, we have received numerous complaints from students and parents regarding schools demanding deposits under various pretexts such as admission fees, uniforms, books, medical expenses, security deposits, picnic fees and stationery costs.'
SC students in the target areas are to receive residential high school education through the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA), the Hindu reported on Monday. The programme reportedly has two modes: one that allows private residential schools to join, and the other that permits residential schools run by NGOs and voluntary organisations. The official statement further warned that no fees should not be charged from SHRESHTHA students. "Failure to comply will result in strict actions being taken against the school through the CBSE, ' it reportedly added.
As per data released by the Ministry of Social Justice, the SHRESHTA scheme benefits approximately 15,000 Scheduled Caste (SC) students through both of its operational modes. Of these, more than 5,000 students are currently enrolled in private residential schools under Mode-1 of the scheme.
