The Government of Maharashtra has launched the “Opening and Running Junior Colleges for VJNT Students” scheme through G.R. dated 26/06/2008. This scheme is aimed at upgrading secondary Ashram Schools into Junior Colleges (11th & 12th class) for the educational and social development of Vimukta Jatis and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) students.
Under this initiative, voluntary organizations that run Secondary Ashram Schools are provided grants-in-aid to establish and operate Junior Colleges. The program ensures academic education, free lodging, boarding, medical facilities, bedding, clothing, uniforms, and educational materials for eligible VJNT students.
Benefits
- Academic Education: Free 11th & 12th-grade education for VJNT students.
- Free Lodging & Boarding: Residential students receive food and accommodation.
- Educational Goods & Stationery: Books, writing materials, and study resources are provided.
- Medical Facilities: Health check-ups and treatments for students.
- Bedding, Clothing & Uniforms: Essential daily use items for residential students.
Eligibility Criteria
For Students:
- Must be a resident of Maharashtra.
- Must belong to the Vimukta Jatis and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) category.
For Voluntary Agencies Running Junior Colleges:
- Must have an existing Secondary Ashram School in Maharashtra.
- The school should have a minimum of 60% pass rate in the Secondary School results.
- Must be financially stable to manage a Junior College.
- The institution should have essential infrastructure, including a building, water supply, and electricity.
- The surrounding population should have a significant percentage of VJNT students.
- There should not be an excess of Junior Colleges in the area.
- The agency should not be involved in any legal disputes or court matters.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps
- Contact the Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare in the concerned district of Maharashtra.
Approach the Headmaster of the Secondary Ashram School where the Junior College is proposed to be set up.
The Headmaster of the Ashram School finalizes admissions for students seeking to enroll in the Junior College.
Documents Required
Aadhaar card
Applicant’s domicile certificate
Caste/category certificate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Why has the Government of Maharashtra upgraded Secondary Ashram Schools to Junior Colleges?
A: The scheme is designed to provide higher education opportunities to students from Vimukta Jatis and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), ensuring free academic education, accommodation, and essential resources. - Q: What facilities are provided to residential students in Junior Colleges?
A: Students receive free lodging, boarding, books, medical assistance, clothing, uniforms, and study materials. - Q: How is this scheme implemented for voluntary organizations?
A: The scheme operates on a grant-in-aid basis, where eligible voluntary agencies receive funding to run Junior Colleges attached to Ashram Schools. - Q: Is it mandatory for a voluntary agency to be economically sound to run a Junior College?
A: Yes, financial stability is required to ensure the smooth functioning of the Junior College. - Q: What infrastructure facilities must a Secondary Ashram School have to qualify for a Junior College?
A: The school must have adequate classrooms, water supply, electricity, and hostel facilities to accommodate Junior College students. - Q: How can I apply under the scheme?
A: Eligible students and voluntary agencies must contact the Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare or the Headmaster of the concerned Ashram School for further details and admission procedures. - Q: Who finalizes the admission of students?
A: The Headmaster of the Ashram School will finalize student admissions under the scheme.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A:
Students from the VJNT category residing in Maharashtra.
Voluntary agencies running Secondary Ashram Schools in Maharashtra that meet the financial and academic criteria.
Sources & References
- Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra
- Official Guidelines & Application Process