The National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education promotes the girl child’s enrolment of 14-18 years age group at secondary stage, who passes class 8th and subsequently drops out for various socio-economic reasons. The proposed scheme is further intended to retain such girl children up to class 12th. In the year 2004-05, the dropout rate of girls from classes 1st to 8th was about 50.8%. For classes 1st to 10th the dropout rate of girls was about 64% in the same year. Hence, only 36% of the country’s girl students could be retained up to class 10th. This is the combined result of several socio-economic factors, but a major contributor is no doubt the inability of the parents to afford the cost of education of the girl child.
Benefits
- Incentive Amount: A sum of ₹3,000/- will be deposited in a Fixed Deposit (FD)/Term Deposit in a public sector bank or post office in the name of the eligible girl child.
- Maturity Condition: The deposit will mature when the girl reaches 18 years of age, and no premature withdrawal is allowed.
Eligibility
To avail of benefits under the NSIGSE, a student must fulfill the following criteria:
Must be a girl child.
Belong to the SC/ST category OR have passed Class 8 from a Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV).
Enrolled in Class 9 in a State/UT Government, Government-aided, or Local Body School in the academic year 2008-09 onwards.
Remain enrolled in school for at least two years after receiving the benefit.
Exclusions
- Married girls are not eligible for this scheme.
- Students studying in private unaided schools are not eligible since such schools charge high fees, and financial assistance is presumed unnecessary.
- Students enrolled in Central Government-run schools (e.g., Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, etc.) are not eligible, as they are already provided with financial support.
Application Process
Online Registration & Application via National Scholarships Portal (NSP)
New Registration
- Visit NSP Portal: Go to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Click on “New Registration”: Read and accept the guidelines, then click “Continue”.
- Fill in the Registration Form: Enter personal details, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID.
- Receive Application ID & Password: These will be sent to the registered mobile number via SMS.
Filling Fresh Application
- Login to NSP: Use Application ID & Password to log in.
- Enter OTP: Received on the registered mobile number.
- Reset Password: Set a new password and proceed.
- Fill in Application Form: Provide educational details, caste, and income details.
- Upload Required Documents (see below).
- Submit Application: Click “Final Submit” after reviewing.
Track Application & Payment Status
- Students can track their application status on the PFMS Portal using:
- Aadhaar Number
- Bank Account Number
- NSP Application ID
Important Notes
- Applications are verified at two levels:
- School verification
- State Education Department verification
- NSP Portal opens for applications as per announced timelines each year.
Documents Required
Aadhaar Card (for identity verification).
Domicile Certificate (to confirm state residency).
Income Certificate (issued by state/UT authorities).
Class 8 & Class 10 Marksheet (for verification of enrollment and eligibility).
School Certificate confirming continued enrollment for two years.
Current Class Fee Receipts (if applicable).
Bank Account Details (joint account with parents, if required).
Disability Certificate (if applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much incentive amount will I receive under NSIGSE?
A: ₹3,000 will be deposited in a fixed deposit under your name. The amount will be released when you turn 18 years old.
Q: Can I withdraw the incentive amount before I turn 18?
A: No, the incentive amount cannot be withdrawn prematurely.
Q: I am 17 years old and married, but I am studying in Class 9. Am I eligible?
A: No, married girls are not eligible under this scheme.
Q: I study in a CBSE school in Bangalore. Can I avail the benefits?
A: No, students studying in private unaided schools or central government schools are not eligible.
Q: My parents are from the SC category, but I am a male student. Can I apply?
A: No, only girl students are eligible.
Q: Can my parents withdraw the amount if I die before turning 18?
A: Yes, in case of unfortunate death, parents/legal guardians may withdraw the amount.
Q: Where can I find the last dates for new applications and renewals?
A: The NSP portal announces deadlines each year. Keep checking NSP Website for updates.
Q: Can I apply for the NSIGSE scheme offline?
A: No, applications must be submitted online via NSP.
Q: Can I use the incentive amount to pay my school fees?
A: No, the amount is meant for financial assistance after turning 18.
Sources & References
NSP Portal for Application
PFMS Portal for Payment Tracking
NSIGSE Guidelines (2024)
FAQs & User Manual