KOCHI: Kerala state government has provided more than Rs 160 crore as foreign study assistance to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students in the last eight years. Of this, more than Rs 148 crore went to Scheduled Caste students and more than Rs 11 crore to Scheduled Tribe students. More than 600 people received government assistance in this regard from 2019 to March 2023. The office of the state Joint Director of Education clarified that the figures from 2016 to 2019 and from March 2023 onwards have not been compiled and maintained.

During the UDF regime from 2011 to 2016, financial assistance was granted to a total of eight people. Only Rs 61,94,270 was granted. Foreign study assistance is granted in multiple tranches based on the annual family income and the expenditure information submitted by the students.

The financial assistance has been distributed through the government agency called ODEPC since January 2024. After the arrival of ODEPC, Rs 27.53 crore was provided as foreign study assistance to 340 students. The figures were obtained by Raju Vazhakala under the Right to Information Act.

2.54 crore to become a pilot

Financial assistance is being provided to students belonging to reserved categories to become pilots (aviation course). From April 1, 2016 to November 30, 2024, more than 2.54 crore was allocated to 13 students belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories. Only five people were given financial assistance to become pilots in 2011-16. That too, only about 62 lakhs (61,98,000).

Foreign study assistance for Scheduled Caste - Scheduled Tribe students from 2016 to 2024----- Rs. 160,65,96,913

For Scheduled Caste category-----Rs. 148,78,17,842

For Scheduled Tribe category----Rs. 11,87,79,071

Aviation course-----Rs. 2,54,05,040

During UDF period (2011-16)

Foreign study assistance---Rs. 61,94,270

Aviation course-----Rs. 61,98,000