The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has disbursed Rs 2,042.08 crore on educational schemes for students from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), and De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) in the 2025–26 financial year, according to an official statement.

Union Minister Virendra Kumar said the interventions are aimed at improving access to quality education and supporting academic progression among students from these communities.

The ministry said it is implementing a range of schemes focused on educational empowerment for OBCs, EBCs and DNTs. It added that spending under OBC welfare schemes rose by 36.96 per cent in FY26 compared with FY25.

Scheme-wise, expenditure increased by 59.13 per cent under the Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme, 27.18 per cent under the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme, 154 per cent under the Top Class Education in Schools scheme, and 105.80 per cent under the Top Class Education in Colleges scheme, compared with the previous financial year.

The ministry said the increase in spending reflects the government’s focus on expanding educational opportunities for students from socially and educationally disadvantaged groups.

Inputs from PTI

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