Scheme For Residential Education For Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA): Mode 2 - NGO Operated Schools
₹44,000/year SC student grant · NGO-operated residential schools · Classes 9–12
Non-profit NGOs running recognised schools for Scheduled Caste students can receive per-student annual grants of ₹27,000–₹55,000 under this central scheme, along with one-time infrastructure grants every 5 years to improve facilities. The scheme targets areas where quality schooling for SC communities is lacking, and applies to both primary and secondary school levels. NGOs apply through the e-Anudaan portal (grants-msje.gov.in) each year between April 1 and June 30.
About This Scheme
Non-profit NGOs running recognised schools for Scheduled Caste students can receive per-student annual grants of ₹27,000–₹55,000 under this central scheme, along with one-time infrastructure grants every 5 years to improve facilities. The scheme targets areas where quality schooling for SC communities is lacking, and applies to both primary and secondary school levels. NGOs apply through the e-Anudaan portal (grants-msje.gov.in) each year between April 1 and June 30.
Full official description
The umbrella scheme "Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)" was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The scheme has a sub-scheme/component called "SHRESHTA Mode 2: Non-Governmental Organization Operated Schools". The sub-scheme aims to provide quality education and opportunities to students from Scheduled Caste communities through grant-in-aid institutions run by Non-Governmental Organizations and residential high schools, addressing the gap in service deficient Scheduled Caste dominant areas in the education sector. The scheme provides financial assistance to Non-Governmental Organization operated schools and hostels for school fees and residential charges for Scheduled Caste students, along with infrastructure support and monitoring mechanisms to ensure quality education delivery.
Benefits
- Secondary residential students: ₹55,000 per SC student per year
- Secondary non-residential students: ₹35,000 per SC student per year
- Primary residential students: ₹44,000 per SC student per year
- Primary non-residential students: ₹27,000 per SC student per year
- Hostel-only students: ₹30,000 per SC student per year
- One-time non-recurring infrastructure grant every 5 years (up to ₹3,85,000 + ₹900 per student for a 100-student secondary residential school)
- Funds released in three instalments via e-Anudaan/PFMS directly to school accounts
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Social impact startups running or partnering with residential schools for SC students can use this scheme as the primary funding source for the residential component — your operational model can be built around the ₹44,000/student/year grant.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a registered non-profit NGO running schools recognised by the State Government, affiliated to a State or Central Board
- Must be registered on the NGO Darpan portal (Niti Aayog) with a valid project ID from the Ministry
- Schools must maintain classes up to at least Class 10 (Class 12 preferred)
- Must have adequate infrastructure: one classroom per class, one toilet per 10 students, hygienic kitchen, CCTV with live streaming, Aadhaar-based attendance
- Class 10 and Class 12 pass percentage must meet or exceed the State/Central Board average
- Minimum 6 teachers in the school; minimum 2 teachers in the hostel
- Must pay teachers on time as per district minimum honorarium rates
How to Apply
- Register your organization on the NGO Darpan portal and obtain a project ID from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Submit the project application on the e-Anudaan portal at eanudaan.gov.in
- Include budget estimates for the current financial year and the previous year's annual report
- Once approved, funds are transferred electronically through the Public Financial Management System
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of organizations are eligible to receive grant-in-aid for running schools under this educational assistance program?
The organization must be a reputed school chain, Corporate Social Responsibility foundation, or reputed organization running good quality schools recognized by the State Government and affiliated to State or Central Boards. Additionally, the organization must be registered on the Non-Governmental Organization Darpan portal of National Institution for Transforming India Aayog.
How much financial assistance can our organization receive per Scheduled Caste student annually for residential school operations?
For primary level residential schools, organizations receive ₹44,000/- per Scheduled Caste student per year, while for secondary level residential schools, the assistance is ₹55,000/- per Scheduled Caste student per year.
What happens if the attendance of Scheduled Caste students in our school falls below 75% during inspection?
If attendance is between 50% to less than 75%, you will receive 75% of the grant amount. If attendance is between 25% to less than 50%, only 50% grant will be provided. If attendance falls below 25% without valid grounds, no grant-in-aid will be released.
Are there any additional non-recurring grants available for infrastructure development and how frequently can we apply for them?
Yes, non-recurring grants are available every 5 years for infrastructure items. For example, a secondary residential school accommodating 100 students can receive ₹3,85,000/- for fixed items plus ₹900/- per student for items like furniture, bedding material, laboratory equipment, and Closed Circuit Television installation.
What minimum academic performance standards must our school maintain to continue receiving grant-in-aid under this program?
Your school must maintain Class 10th and Class 12th pass percentage that is not less than the average Board result of the respective State or Central Board. Teachers must also be qualified graduates with Bachelor of Education qualification for high schools.
Do we need to maintain separate financial accounts for the grants received and what are the auditing requirements?
Yes, you must maintain separate accounts for grants received under this program, which shall always be open for inspection by Government officers or Comptroller and Auditor General. You must also submit audited statement of accounts with utilization certificate after each financial year closure.
What infrastructure facilities are mandatory for residential schools to qualify for grant-in-aid and maintain funding eligibility?
Essential infrastructure includes one classroom per class, adequate furniture for all students, one decent cot and bed per child, proper lighting and fans, hygienic toilets at ratio of 1:10 children, hygienic kitchen and dining facilities, clean drinking water, medical facilities with regular doctor visits, and Closed Circuit Television installation with live streaming capability.
How many installments will our organization receive annually and what is the process for fund release?
Grants are released in three installments per year after submission of complete proposal and Programme Management Unit inspection report. Funds are transferred electronically directly to your organization's bank account through the e-Anudaan portal.
What are the consequences if our organization provides false information or fails to comply with the terms and conditions?
If false information is provided or unethical practices are found, your organization will be blacklisted and this information will be communicated to National Institution for Transforming India Aayog for removal from Non-Governmental Organization Darpan portal. You may also be required to refund grants with 12% interest.
Can organizations charging any fees from beneficiary students still qualify for grant-in-aid under this educational support program?
No capitation fees or donations can be charged from beneficiaries. If any fee is collected, it must be declared in accounts furnished to the Ministry and the corresponding amount will be deducted from the admissible grant-in-aid amount.
What is the deadline for submitting applications on the e-Anudaan portal and when does the application window open?
The e-Anudaan portal opens tentatively on 1st April every year for entry of renewal students and remains open till 30th June for entry of fresh students. All required documents and student details must be submitted within this timeframe.
Are there any specific teacher qualification requirements and minimum staffing norms that must be maintained throughout the program duration?
Teachers in high schools must be at least graduates in their respective fields with Bachelor of Education qualification. The minimum number of teachers must not be less than 6 in a school and not less than 2 in a hostel, with honorariums paid as per minimum district rates.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Project specific identification from Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Name and location of the project
- NGO name and details as per the required template
- Budget estimates for the current financial year
- Annual report with performance and statistical data from the previous year