Cabinet approves post matric scholarship scheme

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has also approved Rs. 59,048 Crore post matric scholarship scheme for more than four Crore Scheduled Castes students in 5 years.

Briefing media, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawarchand Gehlot said, the Central Government will spend Rs. 35,534 Crore for it which is 60 per cent and the balance 40 per cent will be spent by the State Governments.

It is estimated that 1.36 Crore such poorest students, who are currently not continuing their education beyond 10th standard would be brought into the higher education system in the next 5 years.

The Cabinet also approved the merger of Films Division, Directorate of Film Festivals, National Film Archives of India, and Children's Film Society, India with the  National Film Development



Corporation.

Mr Javadekar said, the Cabinet has approved revision in guidelines for providing DTH services in India. He said, DTH licence will be issued for 20 years in place of present 10 years.

Licence fee will be collected quarterly basis instead of an annual basis.

Mr Javadekar said, the Cabinet also approved an ordinance for extending National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act for another 3 years, giving protection to unauthorised colonies from punitive action in Delhi.

The Cabinet also gave its nod for signing the revised Air Services Agreement between India and Philippines.

It also gave its approval for signing the revised Air Services Agreement between India and Afghanistan.