Lok Sabha Question No. 1431 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-02-12
Subject: National Fellowship Scheme for SCs
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: MAHEISH GIRRI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1431 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2019

## NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP SCHEME FOR SCs

## 1431. SHRI MAHEISH GIRRI:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether   the Government has   approved any   proposal for   revision and continuation of National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students for 2017-18,2018-19 and 2019-20;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- whether the Government has taken any initiative for Prevention and Treatment of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse; and
- (d) if the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA)

(a) (b): Yes, Madam. The Government has   approved the   proposal for revision and continuation of the Central Sector Scheme of National Fellowship for SC students for the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20\_

The scheme provides for 2000 new Fellowships (1500 Junior Research Fellows for Humanities/Social Sciences and 500 Junior Research Fellows for Science Stream) per year to those Scheduled Caste student for undertaking advanced studies and research leading to M. Phil/ Ph. D Degrees, who have qualified in the following tests:

- National Eligibility Test Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of University Grants Commission (UGC)

or

- ii) UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF joint test

The rates of fellowship are at par with the UGC fellowships. The present rates of fellowship under the Scheme are as follows:

| Stream                                  | Monthly rate of Fellowship (Amount in Rupees)   | Monthly rate of Fellowship (Amount in Rupees)   |
|-----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
|                                         | JRF                                             | SRF                                             |
| Science, Humanities and Social Sciences | 25,000                                          | 28,000                                          |
| Engineering and Technology              | 25,000                                          | 28,000                                          |

Besides the above; various other allowances like contingency allowance. house rent allowance etc\_ provided to the selected candidates.

(c) & (d): This Ministry implements a "Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism   and Substance   (Drug) Abuse"  under which financial assistance is   provided to eligible Non-Governmental Organizations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies etc. inter-alia,  running and maintenance Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs). for,

This Ministry has prepared a National Action Plan for Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-2023\_ The Plan aims at reduction of adverse consequences of abuse through a multipronged strategy involving education, de-addiction and rehabilitation of affected individuals and their families. Drug drug

The National Institute of   Social Defense  (NISD), an autonomous  organization under this Ministry. conducts capacity   building programmes; sensitization and preventive education programmes in schools and  colleges on basis  During the year 2017-18, NISD has conducted 247 awareness generation programmes in various Schools and Universities/Colleges covering 23006 beneficiaries. regular

Besides, the Ministry has undertaken the following initiatives:-

- i) The Ministry uses   print,  electronic and social media   for  creating   awareness. Information regarding ill-effects of alcoholism and abuse is also disseminated in regional languages through the All India Radio programme Sanwarti Jayen Jeevan Ki Rahen and also through advertisements in newspapers. drug
2. ii) The Ministry celebrates the International against Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26th June every year by holding functions and organizing exhibitions to sensitize the people abuse. National Awards are also conferred to   individuals and institutions in order to recognize the efforts and encourage excellence in the field of prevention of substance abuse. Day Drug drug
3. The Ministry has set up a National Toll Free De-addiction Helpline Number 180011-0031 w.e.f: 07.01.2015 to help the victims of abuse, their family and society at The Helpline has been made functional on 24 x 7 basis W.e.f. March, 2017. jii) Drug drug large.