LUCKNOW, May 23 -- The Backward Classes Welfare Department's Scholarship and Fee Reimbursement Scheme has significantly expanded access to education. This training initiative equips youth with essential digital skills, significantly enhancing their employability in the private and public sectors. For 2024-25, a record Rs 2,475 crore was allocated-benefiting nearly 30 lakh students-marking the highest scholarship disbursal to date. Under this scheme, pre-matric students receive Rs 2,250 annually, while post-matric students get scholarships and reimbursements ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000, all credited to their bank accounts. In 2023-24, a budget of Rs 22.52 crore was utilised to train 23,697 students in courses such as 'CCC' and 'O-Level.' The previous financial year witnessed 29,769 trainees benefiting from Rs 32.92 crore. Under this scheme, the government plans to introduce new-age courses in areas like artificial intelligence to boost technological empowerment further. Besides, the financial provisions of Rs 2 crore have been allocated for the upkeep of 105 hostels across the state, offering free accommodation to students. Minister of state (independent charge) for backward classes welfare and empowerment of disabled, Narendra Kashyap, highlighted that it is due to CM Yogi Adityanath's clear vision and strong political will that backward communities in Uttar Pradesh are now living with dignity and advancing in all spheres. He said that the department will streamline the scholarship process further and introduce new technical courses to align with the demands of a modern workforce....