More than 13 thousand students from Jammu and Kashmir have benefited from Special Scholarship Scheme so far. <br/><br/>In a written reply in Rajya Sabha today, Minister of State HRD, Mahendra Nath Pandey said, scheme aims to encourage the youth from the state to pursue higher education in educational institutions outside the state. Implemented since 2011, scheme envisages to provide 5000 fresh scholarships every year. <br/><br/>The Center has taken several initiatives to ensure that the benefits of the scheme is availed by all deserving students. <br/><br/>As a result of various initiatives, including creation of ten supernumerary quota in Engineering Colleges, more number of students are taking admission in professional courses.