With a view to encouraging the girls of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes for education an incentive scheme is being implemented in Madhya Pradesh. The scheme aims at encouraging these girls to continue their education after primary level. There is a general tendency among girls of these sections to give up education on clearing fifth class. Another objective of the scheme is to bring down the dropout rate of these girls in schools.

The incentive scheme was amended in 2003-04 to make it more attractive. Under it, the girls who, after passing the 8^th standard get admission in 9th class and those who take admission in 11th class after clearing high school examinations are provided a cash incentive of Rs, 1000 and Rs. 2000, respectively. The cash incentive is provided in two equal installments in July and January. However, the girls whose father/guardian are income tax payee are not eligible for the benefit under the scheme. The principals of concerning institutions send the information about the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe girls taking admission in 9th and 11th by October to the Assistant Commissioner/District Coordinator, Tribal Welfare Department.

The fathers or guardians of such girls are required to give a declaration of their annual income. The income tax certificate of the government servant or private servant should be duly signed by the head of office. The sanctioning authority provides the incentive amount through cheque to the principal who disburse it to the girls through bank. The cash incentive is in addition to the scholarship and stipend.

Further information about the scheme can be obtained from the district collector, Assistant Commissioner/District Coordinator, Tribal Welfare Department.