New Delhi: The AAP-led Delhi government held an orientation of all the School Management Committees (SMC) under the Jay Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana (JBMPVY) where members were educated about the benefits of the scheme and how it should be communicated with the students. Delhi has 1,030 government-run schools and each school has an SMC body. The SMC comprises of 16 members of which 12 are parents, 1 MLA of the concerned constituency, one social worker, an SMC convenor who is usually a teacher, and a chairperson –the principal of the concerned school. The SMC educates and informs parents and students about benefits of government schemes along with solving other problems concerning schools and students. A government official said, "the Delhi governments target is to take the JBMPVY initiative through the SMC to the students. The SMC members will talk to students and parents and make them aware of benefits of this scheme. The members also help the students to take up the initiative to apply for this scheme. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia attended a session where he interacted with the students to apprise them about the scheme." A social worker and member of SMC in Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya (SKV) school in Gazipur, Rakhi Verma said, "A lot of students from class X and XII worry about their future studies specially those who are dependent on one parent for financial support. As part of the SMC, I give them assurance and educate them about government universities and government schemes that support higher studies." According to officials, "the response of schools have been good, both parents and students, are interested in this scheme. The campaign which will continue for the next two-three months is happening in every school, based on Vidhan Sabhas, in consultations with the respective MLAs. We are planning to launch an online portal for the student to apply for this scheme." "The government is also exploring the direct transfer of stipend into the bank accounts of students through PFMS and monitor students biometric attendance. On September 3, the Delhi cabinet gave its nod to include students of Other Backward Caste (OBCs) and general category in the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana and also to increase the financial assistance from Rs 40,000 to Rs 1 lakh for the coaching of competitive examinations," added the official. "The education department is working closely with the SMC to campaign for this scheme. It has been very successful after the launch and now as we have extended the scheme for all Economically Weaker Section (EWS) students it is important to spread the reach to all the schools," said an official. The Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana, which was launched last year, is aimed at providing free coaching to SC/ST students in preparation for examinations conducted by UPSC, DSSSB, SSC, Railway Recruitment Board, and others.

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