The Scheme of Free Supply of Textbooks, Stationery, Uniforms, and Footwear aims to provide essential school supplies free of cost to all students studying from Lower Kindergarten (LKG) to 12th Standard in Government and Government-aided Private Schools across the Union Territory of Puducherry. This initiative focuses on achieving 100% school enrollment and retention, ensuring no dropouts due to financial constraints.
Benefits
The following items are provided free of cost to eligible students:
- Laptops – Provided to 12th Standard Passouts.
- Umbrellas – For 1st Standard students.
- Pencil & Eraser – For students from 1st to 5th Standard.
- Textbooks & Exercise Notebooks – For students from 1st to 12th Standard.
- Geometry Box – For students in 4th & 6th Standard.
- Plastic Scale – For 4th Standard students.
- Crayon & Drawing Notebook – For LKG & UKG students.
- Uniform & Footwear – For students from LKG to 12th Standard.
- Copywriting Notebook – For UKG students.
- Ink Pen – For students from 5th to 8th Standard.
- Atlas – For 6th Standard students.
- Dictionary – For 8th Standard students.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be studying in LKG to 12th Standard.
- Must be enrolled in a Government or Government-aided Private School in the UT of Puducherry.
Application Process
Offline Application Procedure
- Visit the Head of Institution (HoI) – The student must visit the head of their school to request a hard copy of the application form.
- Fill out the application – Complete all required fields, attach a passport-sized photograph, and self-attest documents (if necessary).
- Submit the form – Submit the duly filled and signed application form to the Head of Institution.
- Processing – The Head of Institution forwards the application to the Directorate of School Education, Puducherry.
Documents Required
- Stamp-sized Photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- Educational Certificates
- Proof of Admission (Enrollment Certificate)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there a helpline or support system for applicants facing difficulties in the application process?
A: Yes, applicants can seek assistance from their school administration or contact the Directorate of School Education, Puducherry.
Q: Can students in 8th Standard expect any specific items under the scheme?
A: Yes, 8th Standard students receive a Dictionary under this scheme.
Q: How does the scheme address the issue of dropouts from Government schools?
A: The scheme provides essential school supplies to ease the financial burden on families, ensuring continued education and reducing dropout rates.
Q: Are there any community-specific criteria for eligibility?
A: No, the scheme is open to all students in Government and Government-aided Schools in Puducherry.
Q: Can a student apply for the scheme at any point during the academic year?
A: Yes, but it is recommended to apply at the beginning of the academic year to receive benefits on time.
Q: Can the applicant submit the application directly to the Directorate of School Education?
A: No, applications must be submitted through the Head of the Institution (HoI).
Q: Are there additional benefits for students in 5th to 8th Standard?
A: Yes, students in 5th to 8th Standard receive Ink Pens.
Q: Is financial background a criterion for eligibility under the scheme?
A: No, all students in Government and Government-aided Schools are eligible, irrespective of financial background.
Q: Can students from other states apply for this scheme?
A: No, only students enrolled in schools within Puducherry can apply.
Q: Is self-attestation required for attaching documents with the application?
A: Yes, self-attestation may be required as per school/institution guidelines.
Q: Does the scheme cover students attending Government-aided Private Schools?
A: Yes, students in Government-aided Private Schools are also eligible.
Q: Are there specific items provided for students in 1st Standard?
A: Yes, 1st Standard students receive an Umbrella, Pencil, and Eraser.
Sources & References