The Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Goa, has introduced the Merit-Based Award and Recognition of High Performance in the Board Exams of SSC and HSSC scheme. This initiative aims to motivate and financially support Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who excel in their Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examinations. By recognizing high-performing students, the scheme seeks to increase the representation of the ST community among top rank holders in these board exams.
Benefits
1. Felicitation of Rank Holders:
- Financial Award: ₹20,000/- each to the first five rank holders in each stream (Science, Commerce, Arts, and Vocational).
- Certificate of Appreciation: Presented during a public felicitation ceremony.
2. Merit-Based Awards:
- Students scoring 50% to 59.99% marks: ₹5,000/-
- Students scoring 60% to 69.99% marks: ₹8,000/-
- Students scoring 70% to 74.99% marks: ₹10,000/-
- Students scoring 75% and above marks: ₹15,000/-
Eligibility Criteria
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status: Applicant must belong to the ST community in Goa.
- Academic Performance: Must have secured 50% or above marks in SSC/HSSC board exams.
- Family Income: For Merit-Based Awards, the annual family income should be less than ₹5,00,000/-.
Application Process
Online Application:
- Visit the Official Website: Access the Goa Scholarship Portal.
- Register: Provide your name, email ID, mobile number, and other required details to create an account.
- Sign In: Use the credentials sent to your registered email or mobile number.
- Locate the Application Form: Find the form titled “Merit-Based Award and Recognition of High Performance in the Board Exams of SSC and HSSC.”
- Complete the Form: Fill in all mandatory fields and upload the necessary documents in the specified formats and sizes.
- Submit: After reviewing, click “Submit.” A confirmation with an Application Reference ID will appear and be sent to your registered contact details. Save this ID for future reference.
Note: Ensure all information is accurate and documents are legible to prevent delays.
Documents Required
- Caste Certificate: Issued by a competent authority.
- Income Certificate: Issued by a competent authority (for Merit-Based Awards).
- Mark Sheet: Copy of SSC/HSSC mark sheet.
- Fee Receipt: Proof of fees paid.
- Bank Passbook: Copy of the first page showing account details.
- Aadhaar Card: Along with a consent form.
Ensure all documents are clear and valid to facilitate smooth processing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can you clarify the process of felicitation and when the certificates of appreciation are presented to the students? A: The top five rank holders in each stream are felicitated during a public function, where they receive a certificate of appreciation and a financial award of ₹20,000/-.
Q2: How frequently is the performance of this scheme evaluated, and what happens if modifications are deemed necessary? A: The scheme’s performance is evaluated every two years. Based on the evaluation, necessary modifications are made to address emerging challenges and ensure the scheme meets its objectives.
Q3: How does the scheme address the issue of limited representation of ST students among high-rank holders in board exams? A: By recognizing and rewarding high-performing ST students, the scheme encourages more students from the ST community to aim for academic excellence, thereby increasing their representation among top rank holders.
Q4: Could you explain the composition and roles of the “Monitoring Committee” mentioned in the scheme? A: The Monitoring Committee oversees the scheme’s implementation and comprises:
- Chairman: Secretary, Tribal Welfare
- Members:
- Joint Secretary, Finance
- Director, Higher Education
- Director of Tribal Welfare
Q5: Who is responsible for sanctioning the benefits under this scheme? A: The Director of Tribal Welfare is the sanctioning authority responsible for approving and disbursing benefits under this scheme.
Q6: What are the award amounts provided under the “Merit-Based Awards” category, and how are they determined? A: The award amounts are based on the percentage of marks secured:
- 50% to 59.99%: ₹5,000/-
- 60% to 69.99%: ₹8,000/-
- 70% to 74.99%: ₹10,000/-
- 75% and above: ₹15,000/-
Q7: Could you explain the distinction between “Felicitation of Rank Holders Students” and “Merit-Based Awards” under this scheme? A: Felicitation of Rank Holders specifically honors the top five rank holders in each stream with ₹20,000/- and a certificate. In contrast, Merit-Based Awards provide financial incentives to all eligible students based on their percentage of marks, irrespective of their rank.
Q8: Which department manages this scheme? A: The scheme is managed by the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Goa.
Q9: Can individuals from Scheduled Castes also apply to this scheme? A: No, this scheme is exclusively for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
Q10: What do SSC and HSSC stand for? A: SSC stands for Secondary School Certificate (Class 10), and HSSC stands for Higher Secondary School Certificate (Class 12).