The Government of Maharashtra has introduced a maintenance allowance scheme aimed at supporting VJNT (Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes) and SBC (Special Backward Classes) students pursuing professional courses such as Medical, Engineering, Animal Husbandry, etc. This scheme is designed to help these students complete their education by providing a monthly financial stipend, which supplements other government scholarships.
Benefits
- Financial Support:
- Group A: ₹700 per month
- Group B: ₹500 per month
- Group C: ₹500 per month (for 10 months)
- Supplementary Aid:
- Enhances other government scholarship benefits.
- Educational Upliftment:
- Helps reduce the financial burden on students from VJNT and SBC communities, enabling them to focus on their studies.
Eligibility
- Community:
- Students must belong to the VJNT or SBC categories.
- Course Enrollment:
- Must be studying in professional courses (e.g., Medical, Engineering, Animal Husbandry, etc.).
- Hostel Accommodation:
- Applicants should be admitted to hostels attached to professional colleges or approved private hostels.
- Application Requirement:
- Students must submit an application form for admission into the hostel.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
- Register on the Official Portal:
- Visit the official website and click on “New Applicant Registration.” Fill in all mandatory details such as name, username, password, email, and mobile number.
- Login:
- Use your credentials to log in to your account.
- Create Your Profile:
- Complete your profile by updating personal details such as address, qualifications, etc.
- Apply for the Scheme:
- Once your profile is 100% complete, apply for the eligible maintenance allowance scheme.
- Submission:
- After scrutiny, the concerned college will forward your application to the Assistant Commissioner (Social Welfare) for sanction.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Number
- Domicile Certificate of Maharashtra
- Caste Certificate: For VJNT or SBC community (duly signed by an authorized Revenue Officer, not below the rank of Tehsildar)
- Family Income Certificate
- Marksheet of the Latest Educational Qualification
- Bank Account Details
- Passport-Sized Photograph
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the maintenance allowance for VJNT and SBC students?
A1: The allowance varies by course category – ₹700 per month for Group A courses, and ₹500 per month for Group B and Group C courses (the latter for 10 months).
Q2: Who is eligible for the maintenance allowance?
A2: Eligibility is limited to VJNT and SBC students enrolled in professional courses and residing in government or approved private hostels in Maharashtra.
Q3: How can eligible VJNT and SBC students apply for the maintenance allowance?
A3: Students must register and apply online through the official portal, complete their profile, and submit the application form. The application is then forwarded by the college to the appropriate social welfare authority for sanction.
Q4: What expenses are covered under the maintenance allowance?
A4: The allowance is intended to cover general maintenance and living expenses, helping to ease the financial burden on students while they pursue their professional studies.
Q5: Is the maintenance allowance a scholarship or a stipend?
A5: It functions as a stipend provided monthly in addition to other government scholarships.
Q6: How often is the maintenance allowance disbursed?
A6: The allowance is disbursed monthly throughout the academic year as per the specified course category.
Q7: Are there any conditions or obligations associated with the maintenance allowance?
A7: Applicants must maintain their admission status in the hostels and fulfill any other conditions outlined by the Department of Backward Classes Welfare and the respective educational institution.