Education
Education in Thiruvananthapuram
The literacy rate in Thiruvananthapuram, according to the 2001 census, is 89.36 percent; 92.68 percent among males and 86.26 percent among females. Adult Literacy Programme is being effectively implemented. The Grandhasala Movement had taken roots years back and has grown ever since. In every village, in almost all the wards of panchayats, there is invariably at least one library and a reading room.
Book Bank for Scheduled Caste students
Institutes that conduct professional courses like medical, engineering, agricultural, veterinary, MBA, LLB, LLM, Bioscience etc. are given financial aid to buy costly reference books under the book bank scheme. As per this scheme 1 set of books is allotted to 2 students. Under this scheme an almirah to store books is also provided.
Scholarships/Awards for Scheduled Caste students
Recognition and Encouragement for merit
Scheduled Caste students who pass SSLC, Pre-degree, Degree and PG exams in first class are given special prizes. The amount is as follows.
SSLC - Rs. 750/-
+2, VHSC - Rs. 1000/-
Degree (Equivalent) - Rs. 1500/-
PG / Professional Course - RS. 2000/-
Applications along with caste certificate, copies of mark lists of the concerned exam, details of current institution etc should be submitted to the District Scheduled Caste development officer of the District where the last exam was written.
Financial aid for higher studies abroad
Scheduled caste/tribe students who gain admission in foreign universities are given interest free loan up to 15 lakhs. Of this, 2.50 lakhs is grant. This scheme is implemented through Scheduled caste/tribe Development Corporation.
Monetary aid for students studying in other states
Scheduled caste students studying in other states for courses not available in the state, or other specialised PG courses, professional courses, M.Phil, PhD courses are given fee concessions and other benefits. They are eligible for all benefits given to students pursuing similar courses in the state. Applications in prescribed form should be submitted to Scheduled Caste Development officer through Institutional Head.
Monetary aid to study in parallel colleges
Scheduled caste / other eligible caste students who could not secure admission to regular school / colleges are given aid to study in parallel colleges that maintain a high standard. Fees within prescribed limits, and lump sum grant and stipend at the rate given to regular students will also be given.
Application in prescribed form should be submitted to District Scheduled Caste Development Officer through Department Head. Application should be accompanied by caste certificate, proof of age and copy of mark list of the last exam.
Monetary aid for failed students to continue their studies for Scheduled caste / Tribe students
Students who fail in SSLC, Plus 2 and degree courses are given monetary aid to study in tutorials to appear for the exam again. For this a minimum of 20% marks should be obtained in SSLC and 25% in +2, degree courses.
To avail this benefit application along with caste certificate, attested copy of mark list should be submitted to District Scheduled Caste Development Officer through Block Scheduled Caste development Officer.
Subsidised Hostels for Scheduled Caste/ Tribe students
The Scheduled caste students of standard 5th to 10 staying in hostels run by voluntary organisations (8 for girls, 6 for boys) are given 2 pairs of uniform, lump sum grant, Boarding grant at the rate of Rs.250/ per month. Rest of the expenses is met by the voluntary organisations. In these hostels 10% seats are reserved for poor students of other communities.
Applications can be availed from these hostels during May.
Pre Matric Hostels for Scheduled Caste/ Tribe students
There are 90 pre-matric hostels functioning under the Scheduled caste development department for students of 5th - 12th Standard who do not have good educational facilities near their home (49 hostels for boys 41 for girls). Free food and lodging is given to the students. An amount of Rs.500 per month is allotted for food. In addition 2 pairs of uniform, travel fare to go home during Onam and Christmas holidays and pocket money of Rs.45 per month is given. Special tuition is arranged for all subjects.
Post Matric Hostels for Scheduled Caste/ Tribe students
The Scheduled caste development runs 17 post matric hostels for Scheduled Caste/ Tribe students doing post matric courses (5 for girls, 12 for boys). Students staying in these hostels are given Rs.700/per month for food and Rs.65 - Rs.80/ per month as pocket money, Library and recreation facilities are provided in these hostels. Resident tutors are appointed in the hostels to supervise the education and give tuitions to students.
