Tue Feb 11 18:21:49 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Allocates Over ₹594 Crore for Scheduled Caste Student Scholarships

**Thiruvananthapuram, February 12, 2025** – The Kerala government has allocated a substantial ₹594.15 crore for pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for Scheduled Caste students for the 2023-24 academic year, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal announced on Sunday. This includes both the state’s share of a centrally sponsored scheme and funds for state-run scholarship programs.

Responding to a query in the state assembly, Minister Balagopal confirmed that all scholarship benefits for the 2023-24 period had been disbursed. While the centrally sponsored scheme has an annual income limit of ₹2.5 lakh for eligibility, the state government allocated additional funds—a total of ₹285.19 crore—to ensure all eligible Scheduled Caste students received assistance regardless of income.

The state’s commitment to scholarship funding is significant, with allocations totaling ₹456.32 crore (2021-22), ₹360.76 crore (2022-23), and ₹505.75 crore (2023-24) as the state’s share of centrally sponsored and state-run schemes combined. A similar income limit applies to Scheduled Tribe scholarships, with the state providing full support to students exceeding the threshold. An additional ₹71.82 crore was allocated as the state’s share for Scheduled Tribe scholarships. The minister confirmed that the entire amount required to meet the scholarship claims for 2023-24 has been secured.

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