The Central Government has already established two Central Tribal Universities namely the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak and Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh, Vizianagram with a view to provide avenues of higher education and research facilities primarily for the tribal population of the country. Besides, the Andhra Pradesh reorganization Act, 2014 inter-alia mandates for establishment of a new Central Tribal University in Telangana. Further, there are several Central Universities in different States which also fulfil the aspirations of higher education of tribal youth of the region.
Further, the UGC is implementing a scheme for the benefit of Scheduled Tribe (ST) students i.e. National Fellowship for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe Students. In addition to this, UGC is implementing the following schemes for the benefit of weaker sections of the society including ST students:
- Residential Coaching Academies of Minorities /SC/ST and Women
- Establishment of Centres in Universities for study of Social exclusion and inclusive Policy
- Establishment of Equal Opportunities Cells (EOCs)
- Establishment of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Cells in Universities
- Coaching Schemes for Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes/OBC (non-creamy layer)/ Minorities: (i) Remedial Coaching at UG & PG level (ii) Coaching for entry into services (iii) Coaching for NET.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
