More than 1.19 lakh beneficiaries have been benefited under the Naya Savera Scheme (‘Free Coaching and Allied’ scheme) since its inception. Out of which 12,155 beneficiaries were from the state of Andhra Pradesh. The scheme was implemented across the country through empaneled Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs). It was discontinued w.e.f. 2022-23.
What was the Naya Savera Scheme?
The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India implemented the ‘Free Coaching and Allied’ scheme to provide free coaching to students/candidates belonging to economically weaker sections of minority communities for preparation of entrance examinations of technical/professional courses and competitive examinations. Depending upon the coaching programme allocated to the PIAs, the duration of the coaching period under the scheme was from 3 months to 2 years.
However, the New Education Policy 2020, does not support coaching programs. It states that the existing system of board and entrance examinations will be reformed to eliminate the need for coaching classes. Due to that, the Ministry decided to discontinue the scheme beginning in fiscal year 2022-23. Nevertheless, the pending liabilities under the scheme were promised to be cleared.
Students or candidates who are part of the six notified minority communities – Sikh, Jain, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi – were entitled to receive specialised coaching. This coaching aimed to help them prepare for qualifying exams required for admission into technical or professional courses, as well as competitive exams for recruitment into Group 'A', 'B', and 'C' services, along with similar positions in both Central and State Governments including public sector undertakings, banks, and railways.
