Lok Sabha Question No. 4238 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-03-29
Subject: National Overseas Scholarship
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: M. K. Raghavan

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

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4238 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.03.2022

## NATIONAL OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP

4238. SHRI MK RAGHAVAN:

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

- a) whether the Government has issued any guidelines whereby Indian students under National Overseas   Scholarship are restricted from study of Indian   history and culture in   foreign universities;
2. (c) whether the Government has any schemes for tapping the benefits of silver economy; and
3. (d) if so, the details of the steps and the measures being taken to financially empower India $ ageing population?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI A. NARAYANASWAMY)

- As per the new guidelines that streamlined the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for SC students, preference is given to subjects viz science and technology where there is greater demand from the students. research in   subjects where Indian universities have considerable   strength and where the  field work has to be in India; can be done in Indian Universities  for funding which there is already a National  Fellowship Scheme. Accordingly, topics/courses concerning Indian Culture, Heritage, History Social studies on India will not be considered for award of scholarships from 2022-23 onwards, whereas other Humanities/Social Sciences subjects, such as Law; Economics, Psychology etc  which need international exposure are still available for funding: This change has provided more opportunities for the poor SC students to study in global best universities.
- (c) & (d): The Scheme for Promoting Silver Economy (under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYA Y)) with an objective to encourage the entrepreneurs to think about the problems of the elderly and come out

with innovative solutions The Government aims to achieve the objective by providing upto Rs 1 crore as financial assistance through equity participation, through an open invitation on a portal namely Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE)

W.e.f 01.04.2021 the Ministry has also launched a Employment\_in\_Dignity\_(SACRED) portal. Many  senior  citizens have   experience, time   and energy which can business  enterprises   looking for  stable employees with experience. The Human resources cells of many private enterprises seek experienced but stable persons in certain positions. The portal allows bringing these people together by virtual matching of preferences The portal has been launched by the Vice President of India on International on Older Persons (IDOP), 2021 i.e. on 01/10/2021. Day

With effect from 01.04.2021 the Ministry has also launched a Scheme of Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR Groups): Elderly Self Help groups The Senior Citizens are encouraged to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which will provide them with a platform to share the time constructively with each other. To attain financial assistance under the scheme, SHGs will function as * Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR Groups) .

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