Enhance family income ceiling for availing scholarship by tribal students, Kerala Minister urges Centre

The government of Kerala has petitioned the central authorities to raise the income threshold for availing post-metric scholarships for tribal students. In a letter addressed to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Kerala's Welfare Minister K.A. Thulasi proposed increasing the family income ceiling from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹4.5–5 lakh. She argued that this change was crucial due to the increasing cost of living.

Thulasi further urged the central government to implement monthly disbursements for hostel fees, as well as PhD contingency funds, based on monthly attendance. Instead of a single annual disbursement, this would provide more regular financial support to the students. Additionally, the State proposed bifurcating the direct benefit transfer system so that institutional fees (including tuition, examination, and special fees) are credited directly to the institution's bank account, while the maintenance allowance goes to the student. This move aims to prevent disputes over non-payment of fees.

The State also requested timely release of the first installment of the Central share at the beginning of the academic year. In the memorandum, they suggested that the Centre might consider revising the implementation guidelines for Grants-in-Aid under Article 275(1) of the Constitution. This would provide flexibility in the project period, especially for infrastructure works carried out in remote and inaccessible tribal regions.

Furthermore, Thulasi emphasized the need for the Centre to increase funding for the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in both plain and hilly areas. Currently, Kerala allocates ₹75,000 from state resources to inter-caste couples involving a Scheduled Tribe partner. She called for the Union government to create a Central-sponsored 'Inter-Caste Marriage Assistance Scheme' for Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries.