NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a scholarship scheme for higher education for students of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. To be implemented from the current financial year, it would cover students beyond the 12th class, whose family income did not exceed Rs. 2 lakh a year.

This was announced by Finance Minister and Cabinet spokesperson P. Chidambaram. The scholarship would cover the tuition fee and other non-refundable dues for those studying in government and government-funded institutions. For those in private institutions, the scholarship would be restricted to Rs. 2 lakh a year for courses other than those conducted by flying clubs for commercial pilot training. Students training to be commercial pilots would get an enhanced amount, up to Rs. 3.72 lakh a year.

In addition, all students would be provided Rs. 2,220 a month as living expenses, subject to actuals, and an allowance of Rs. 3,000 for books and stationery. They would be eligible to buy a computer and accessories for Rs. 45,000 as an one-time assistance. The scheme is expected to benefit 1,220 SC and 635 ST students in the first year, and 15,370 SC and 7,910 ST students during the five years of its operation.

Bureau for control of crime against tigers

The Cabinet approved the constitution of a bureau for control of crime against tigers and other endangered species. It will be an expanded version of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, with one more regional office.

Mr. Chidambaram said the five sensitive border customs posts would be strengthened. Also, more such posts would be set up.

The role of the new Bureau would include the creation of a database on wildlife items and trade, and provision of assistance for action against those involved in crime against wildlife at the national and international levels. It would also facilitate training to field staff on intelligence gathering, crime detection and prosecution.

Chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the meeting also gave in-principle approval for the construction of an international airport at Navi Mumbai through public-private partnership. The Cabinet cleared a proposal to make both men and women eligible for Short Service Commission in the flying branch of the Air Force, revise the SSC ceiling to 20 per cent and the term of engagement of SSC officers to 14 years, with no extension.

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