Educational Schemes — Amendments

Amendment	Year	Description	Impact
93rd Constitutional Amendment Act	2005	Inserted Clause (5) in Article 15, enabling the State to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in relation to their admission to educational institutions, including private educational institutions, whether aided or unaided by the State, other than the minority educational institutions referred to in clause (1) of Article 30.	This amendment significantly expanded the scope of affirmative action in education, allowing the state to mandate reservations for SCs/STs in private unaided educational institutions (excluding minority institutions). It provided a stronger constitutional basis for ensuring equitable access to higher and professional education for these communities, directly impacting the reach and effectiveness of various educational schemes and reservation policies.
Revision of Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs	2020-21	The Union Cabinet approved major changes to the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes (PMS-SC). The Central Government's share in the scheme was significantly increased from a fixed percentage to 60% of the total expenditure, with a commitment of INR 59,048 crore over five years (2020-21 to 2025-26). The scheme also shifted to a demand-driven approach and implemented a robust online system for direct benefit transfer (DBT).	This revision aimed to address the long-standing issue of delayed state matching grants and ensure timely disbursement of scholarships. By increasing the central share and making it demand-driven, the scheme became more accessible and effective, significantly boosting enrollment and retention of SC students in higher education. The DBT mechanism enhanced transparency and reduced leakages, directly benefiting millions of students.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act	2015	This amendment broadened the scope of offenses, added new offenses, and strengthened the procedural aspects of the original 1989 Act. While not directly an education scheme, it enhanced protection for SC/ST individuals, including students, against various forms of discrimination and violence.	By strengthening the legal framework against atrocities, the amendment indirectly contributes to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for SC/ST students in educational institutions and society at large. This helps in reducing social barriers that might otherwise hinder their access to and participation in education, aligning with the broader goal of social justice and empowerment.