Explained: How UP's SC/ST hostel scheme is expanding under Yogi government

‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, the motto of Uttar Pardesh chief minister has been visible in a number of welfare schemes being implemented under his direct supervision and close monitoring.Rooted in the constitutional commitment to the welfare of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, the Rajkiya Anusuchit Jati Chhatrawas Yojana is one of the longest-running welfare initiatives of the Social Welfare Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the scheme has seen sustained expansion and modernisation.The scheme provides free residential accommodation to SC and ST students enrolled in middle schools, higher secondary schools, colleges, and universities across the state.

Students who travel long distances from rural areas to pursue education are its primary beneficiaries. Separate hostels are operated for boys and girls in districts across Uttar Pradesh.Scheme at a glanceA total of 261 government hostels have been established across the state, 178 for boys and 83 for girls, of which 227 are currently operational. Each hostel is managed by a district-level committee chaired by the District Magistrate, which handles student selection and conducts periodic inspection.

Eligibility criteriaAny student belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community, enrolled in a recognised educational institution in Uttar Pradesh, with annual family income not exceeding Rs. 2.5 lakh, can apply. Seventy percent of seats in every hostel are reserved for SC and ST students. The remaining thirty percent are open to OBC and general category students.Facilities providedEvery admitted student receives free accommodation, furniture, and electricity.

Hostels provide mess facilities, a library, and a secure environment for academic development. Each student pays a nominal fee of Rs. 25 per month. No other charges are levied.Documents required: Aadhaar card, caste certificate, income certificate, bank passbook, enrollment letter from the institution, and passport-size photographs.How to applyEligible students can apply online at scholarship. up. gov.

in or visit the nearest Common Service Centre or District Social Welfare Office. Admissions are processed at the start of the academic year.Progress under the schemeUnder the Yogi government, Rs. 12.30 crore has been approved in FY 2025-26 for the construction of 6 new modern hostels under PM-AJAY, with the first installment of Rs. 6.15 crore already released. New hostels are coming up in Jaunpur, Sultanpur, Hathras, and Firozabad. With 261 hostels established and more under construction, the Uttar Pradesh government continues to expand access to residential education for SC and ST students across the state.