Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) Fund

Subject – Governance

Context – In 2018-19, Bihar used SC/ST scholarship funds to build roads and embankments

Concept –

In 2018-19, Bihar used SC/ST scholarship funds to build roads and embankments.
This diversion of the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) fund was flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its 2018-19 report on Bihar’s finances.

About the Fund –

The SCSP fund is meant for extending the centrally-sponsored Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) to SC/ST students with an annual family income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh.
The scholarship — 60 per cent of which is funded by the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry — is meant for educational and professional courses above Class 10 till Masters level.
Under the scheme, a state is entitled to avail any amount from the Centre above its annual committed liability of about Rs 115 crore.
The flagship post-matric scholarship benefits around 60 lakh SC/ ST students annually in the country.