Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls: In a significant stride towards improving educational opportunities for marginalised communities, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC boys and girls. These hostels, catering to the accommodation needs of Other Backward Classes (OBC) students, underscore the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive education. This initiative not only addresses the infrastructural requirements but also aims to create a conducive environment for learning, ensuring that students from marginalized backgrounds have access to quality education without hindrances.
The enrollment figures for OBC students soared to approximately 1.63 crore in 2021-22 from 1.48 crore in the preceding year. It demonstrates a noteworthy 27.3% increase since 2017-18 and an overall expansion of 45% since 2014-15. The enrollment of OBC female students also saw an encouraging surge to 78.19 lakh in 2021-22 from 72.88 lakh in 2020-21, showcasing a 27.2% growth since 2017-18 and an overall enhancement of 49.3% since 2014-15. These advancements signify a substantial improvement in Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER). These statistics underscore the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s dedication in promoting inclusive growth and social equity through targeted interventions in education.
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls has been implemented since 1998-99 to facilitate the continuation of education by students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), specifically for those students who hail from rural and remote areas. Furthermore, ₹288.61 crores have been released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the construction of hostels for OBC boys and girls, benefiting 20915 students till date. The Scheme has been revised w.e.f. 2017-18.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls – Objective
The scheme aims to provide better educational opportunities to students from socially and educationally backward classes, which are commonly referred to as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and are listed by the central/state/Union Territory administration. Institutions will receive central assistance for building girls’ or boys’ hostels with a maximum capacity of 100 seats. These hostels will include residential facilities for students, a hostel warden, a chowkidar, and a boundary wall surrounding the campus. The construction of these facilities will be based on the State/UT Public Works Department (PWD) schedule of rates, after providing proof of land availability and obtaining approval from the relevant technical department of the state/UT.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls – Eligibility and Preference
The hostels under the scheme should be constructed in areas where there is a concentration of OBC population with inadequate educational facilities. These hostels could also be built in areas with quality education and insufficient residential facilities for the target group, depending on the number of students enrolled in the institution. Priority will be given to regions/districts not previously covered, districts/towns with a large number of quality educational institutions, and proposals for the construction of hostels for undergraduate students vis-a-vis below the undergraduate level. Whenever possible, hostels will be constructed in close proximity to educational institutions.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls – Eligible Agencies
The agencies eligible to receive financial assistance under this scheme are as follows:
- State governments and UT administrations
- Institutions or organisations set up by the central government as autonomous bodies under a statute (e.g. Central Universities, IIT, NIT, etc.) or as a society under the Registration of Societies Act, 1860 or otherwise,
- Educational and other institutions owned and controlled by either central government/state governments/UTs.
Eligibility Criteria for Students to be Admitted to Hostels
The students who fulfill the following eligibility criteria may be granted seats in the constructed hostels:
- The students included in the OBC list of Central/States/UTs and who do not belong to the “creamy layer”.
- Preference will be given to OBC students who belong to low-income families.
- A minimum of 5% of the total seats are reserved for students with disabilities.
- Hostels would essentially be available for post-matric students.
- In case of vacant seats, preference will be given to pre-matric students of the secondary level.
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Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls – Cost Norms and Funding Pattern
The cost per hostel seat is to be provided as per the schedule of the rates for the concerned state government, or as follows, whichever is lower:
- North-Eastern Region: ₹3,50,000
- Himalayan Region: ₹3,25,000
- Rest of the Country: ₹3,00,000
| Funding Pattern | ||
| Item | Recipient Agency | % of Central Share |
| Construction grant | State Government (other than in the North-East
and Himalayan States) for male students |
60% |
| State Government for female students | 90% | |
| State Government in the North-East and Himalayan State | 90% | |
| UT Administration | 100% | |
| Central Universities/Institutions | 90% | |
| Equipment grant | One time non-recurring grant of ₹2,500 per hostel seat for provision of essential hostel furniture and equipment | |
The amount will be disbursed in 3 installments in a 50:45:5 ratio, of which a 5% grant will be released after completion of the work and occupation of the rooms by the students. The one-time payment of ₹2,500 will be granted for 100 seats for a newly constructed hostel, subject to the availability of funds and submission of the status of the occupation of rooms by the students.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls – Responsibilities of the Implementing Agency
The organisations receiving assistance under this scheme will have to fulfill the following obligations while providing proposals and undertaking for the same:
- The implementing agency(s) shall bear the entire cost of land purchase (if applicable), staffing, other upkeep, and day-to-day expenses.
- It is mandatory for hostels to have a bed, a study table, a chair, and a cupboard for each inmate student.
- The hostels should have an adequate water supply (including potable water), water-efficient taps, a water chamber with a two-option flushing system, rainwater harvesting options, and wastewater management.
- The hostel building should be energy-efficient, maximising the use of natural light and ventilation.
- The building should have an earthquake-resistant structural design in earthquake-prone areas, and sound fire-fighting arrangements.
- The hostel should have adequate open space around it for tree plantation and outdoor activities.
- The hostel should be constructed in a disabled-friendly manner, with ramps with railings, Braille signage, etc.
- The common room in hostels should be provided with newspapers, magazines, indoor games, and a television set.
- Necessary arrangements for periodical health checkups of students and a part-time doctor should be made.
- A warden (full/part-time) should be employed.
- A boundary wall and a system of watch and ward can be put in place as safety measures.
- The hostel building should be constructed with safety and speediness in mind with local building practices and materials.
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Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls – Terms and Conditions
- The Hostel’s construction work must be finished within 18 months after receiving the work order or within two years following the release of the 1st installment of central assistance, whichever comes first. The time frame cannot be extended under any circumstances. If there are any cost increases due to project delays, the state or institute will be responsible for bearing the additional expenses. Proposals for the 2nd installment need to be submitted to the ministry within one year after completing the construction up to roof level and following the release of the 1st installment.
- When requesting central assistance funds, the implementing agencies must provide an assurance that the hostels will be constructed within 18 months from the date of work order or within two years from the release of the 1st installment, whichever comes first.
- After completing construction of each hostel, the implementing agencies must submit an annual report depicting the status of “occupation of rooms by OBC Boys/Girls,” in addition to the utilisation certificate and completion report, before the next grant can be released.
- Before submitting proposals to the Government of India, the State Government or central institute must ensure that they have arranged for their due share.
- The construction of hostels in an Adarsh Village selected under the ‘Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)’ can be undertaken as long as land is available and the selected village is located in the catchment area of existing educational institutions.
- The implementing agencies are required to maintain beneficiary-specific, Aadhar details on a yearly basis, which may be subject to inspection.
- The State Governments/UT administration submitting proposals for the construction of three or more hostels in a year must include girls’ hostels to the extent of at least one third of the total proposed hostels.
- The implementing agencies have to provide half-yearly progress reports to the ministry for monitoring and evaluation.
- The State Governments will be expected to suitably involve the concerned Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal Bodies in the planning, execution, and everyday management of hostels sanctioned under this scheme.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls – Submission of Proposals
Eligible agencies that have clear title and possession over construction land must submit proposals in formats prescribed in the official scheme document and mail them to the following address:
The Joint Secretary (Backward Classes)
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Government of India
Shastri Bhavan
New Delhi – 110001
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Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls – FAQs
When was the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls implemented?
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls was implemented in the year 1998-99.
What was the enrollment figure for OBC students in 2021-22, and how does it compare to the previous year?
The enrollment figure for OBC students in 2021-22 was approximately 1.63 crore, a significant increase from 1.48 crore in the previous year. This reflects a 27.3% growth since 2017-18 and an overall expansion of 45% since 2014-15.
How has the enrollment of OBC female students progressed from 2014-15 to 2021-22?
The enrollment of OBC female students increased to 78.19 lakh in 2021-22 from 72.88 lakh in 2020-21. This marks a 27.2% growth since 2017-18 and an overall enhancement of 49.3% since 2014-15.
What is the objective of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls?
Answer: The objective of the scheme is to provide better educational opportunities to OBC students, particularly those from rural and remote areas, by constructing hostels with residential facilities for OBC boys and girls. This scheme facilitates the continuation of their education by offering safe and supportive housing near educational institutions.
How much financial assistance has been provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls, and how many students have benefited?
A total of ₹288.61 crores has been released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the construction of hostels, benefiting 20,915 students to date.
What are the key features of the hostels being constructed under this scheme?
The hostels constructed under the scheme will have a maximum capacity of 100 seats and will include residential facilities for students, a hostel warden, a chowkidar, and a boundary wall around the campus. The construction will follow the State/UT Public Works Department (PWD) schedule of rates and require proof of land availability and approval from the relevant state/UT technical department.
What is the amount of funding provided for the construction of hostels under this scheme?
Up to ₹3.50 lakh per seat are provided for the construction of hostels under this scheme. An additional one-time grant of ₹2,500 will be provided upon proposal submission for equipment/furniture costs.
What is a creamy layer?
The “creamy layer principle” was first introduced when the OBC quota was brought in after the Indra Sawhney judgement. It created a guiding charter to exclude those OBC individuals from reservations whose families had accumulated certain social and economic privileges over the years, known as the creamy layer. Currently, an annual income of both parents of ₹8 lakh or more excludes OBCs from availing reservation, putting them in the creamy layer category, leaving benefits only for those earning less than that.
Who are the students eligible for allocation in this scheme?
The students belonging to low-income families listed under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category of central/states/UTs are eligible for this scheme. However, students who belong to the ‘creamy layer’ are ineligible.
Is this scheme for post-matric students only?
The scheme is essentially for post-matric OBC students. However, in the case of seat vacancy, pre-matric students of the secondary level will be accommodated.
Will the eligible organisations be provided with construction material/labour?
No, the organisations under this scheme will be provided with funding for the necessary resources for the construction of hostels.