The Food Bill Assistance to SC Students scheme is launched by the Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare, Government of Gujarat. This initiative provides financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) students residing in college-affiliated hostels to support their food expenses. The scheme covers food bill assistance for up to 10 months per year, ensuring that SC students can pursue their education without financial burden.
Benefits
- ₹1,500 per month for up to 10 months per year.
- Assistance exclusively for SC students residing in college-affiliated hostels.
Eligibility Criteria
- The student must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community of Gujarat.
- The student must reside in a college-affiliated hostel.
- The annual family income should be ₹6 lakhs or below.
Application Process
Online Application Steps:
- Visit the Digital Gujarat Portal: https://www.digitalgujarat.gov.in/
- Click on ‘Register’ and fill in the registration form.
- Enter Mobile Number, Email, Set Password, and click ‘Save’.
- After registration, log in using the Mobile No./Email ID & Password.
- Click on ‘My Profile’ and update your details.
- Verify the OTP and save your profile.
- Under ‘Scholarship Services’, select ‘SC Scheme’.
- Choose the Financial Year and click on ‘Change Financial Year’.
- Select the Food Bill Assistance Scheme, read instructions, and click ‘Continue to Service’.
- Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
- Click on ‘Save as Draft’, agree to the terms & conditions, and submit the application by clicking ‘Confirm & Final Submit’.
Important Instructions:
- Photo upload is mandatory for all applicants.
- One application per student is allowed. Multiple submissions will be rejected.
- No changes can be made after submission.
- Incorrect or misleading information will lead to rejection.
- Unreadable or unclear documents will lead to application rejection.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photo.
- Aadhaar Card (Identity proof).
- Caste Certificate (Issued by the competent authority).
- Income Certificate (Valid for 3 years; Govt. employees must submit Form No. 16).
- Standard 10th Marksheet.
- Standard 12th Marksheet (if applicable).
- Graduate Marksheet (if applicable).
- Last Year Marksheet (if applicable).
- Break Affidavit (if there is a gap of more than one year).
- School Leaving Certificate (if applicable).
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
- First Page of Bank Passbook / Cancelled Cheque.
- Father’s Death Certificate (if applicable).
- Hostel Certificate (for hosteller students only).
- College/School Identity Card.
- Certificate issued by the Warden (for hosteller students).
- LWP Certificate (For students on Leave Without Pay for the entire course duration).
- Any other documents as required by the department.
Note: The income certificate must be valid (issued within 3 years). Verify the issue date before uploading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who administers the “Food Bill Assistance to SC Students” scheme?
The scheme is managed by the Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare, Government of Gujarat.
Q: What is the purpose of the scheme?
To provide financial support for food expenses to SC students residing in college-affiliated hostels.
Q: How much financial assistance is provided under the scheme?
₹1,500 per month for up to 10 months per year.
Q: Who is eligible for the food bill assistance?
SC students who are residents of Gujarat, living in college-affiliated hostels, with a family income of ₹6 lakhs or below.
Q: How many months of assistance can a student receive per year?
Eligible students receive assistance for up to 10 months per year.
Q: Is there an income limit for eligibility?
Yes, the family’s annual income must not exceed ₹6 lakhs.
Q: Is there any application fee for applying?
No, there is no application fee.