The Residential School For Blinds is a state-sponsored initiative established by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The scheme is designed to provide holistic support to visually impaired children by offering free education, overall development, and vocational training. Located at Roop Nagar, near the Fire Brigade Office, Muthi, Jammu (180013), the institution caters to the needs of up to 50 inmates and ensures they are nurtured until graduation or until they attain the age of 25, whichever comes first.
Benefits
- Free Education: Complete educational support tailored to the needs of visually impaired students.
- Vocational Training: Skill development programs to promote self-reliance.
- Boarding & Lodging: Free accommodation along with necessary clothing provisions.
- Pocket Money: A monthly stipend of ₹500 to help with personal expenses.
- Enrichment Programs: Music lessons and other developmental activities.
- Duration of Stay: Inmates are retained until graduation or until they reach 25 years of age, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Residency: The applicant should be a domicile or permanent resident of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Disability: The applicant must be a person with disability (PwD) suffering from total or partial absence of sight.
- Age: The eligible age range is 6 to 21 years.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Step 1:
- The guardian or a social worker of the eligible child should visit the District Social Welfare Office to request a hard copy of the application form.
- Step 2:
- Fill in all the mandatory fields in the application form, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across), and attach all the required self-attested documents.
- Step 3:
- Submit the completed and signed application form along with the necessary documents to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO).
- Step 4:
- Obtain the receipt or acknowledgment of the successful submission of the application.
Post-Application Process
- Upon receipt of a complete application, the DSWO authorizes the Superintendent of the Residential School for Blinds to admit the beneficiary, subject to vacancy.
- The DSWO also handles any queries regarding the application status.
Documents Required
- Residential Certificate / Domicile Certificate of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Disability Certificate indicating total/partial absence of sight.
- 3 Passport-Sized Photographs (signed across).
- Proof of Educational Qualifications (if any).
- Aadhaar Card.
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, Electoral Photo ID, etc.).
- Any other document as required by the District Social Welfare Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the address of the Residential School for Blinds?
A1: The school is located at Roop Nagar, near the Fire Brigade Office, Muthi, Jammu, 180013.
Q2: What is the intake capacity of the Residential School?
A2: The school has an intake capacity of 50 inmates.
Q3: To whom should the beneficiary approach for the application submission?
A3: The beneficiary should approach the concerned District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO).
Q4: What does DSWO stand for?
A4: DSWO stands for District Social Welfare Officer.
Q5: Apart from shelter, what benefits related to education and training does the scheme provide?
A5: Inmates receive free education, overall developmental programs, vocational training, clothing, boarding, lodging, and monthly pocket money of ₹500, along with music lessons.
Q6: What is the cost of boarding and lodging for the inmates?
A6: Boarding and lodging are provided free of cost.
Q7: How much monthly pocket money is provided to the inmates?
A7: Each inmate receives a monthly pocket money of ₹500.
Q8: Until what age are the inmates retained in the institution?
A8: Inmates are retained until graduation or until they reach 25 years of age, whichever comes first.
Q9: What are the main objectives of this scheme?
A9: The scheme aims to protect, educate, and provide vocational training to visually impaired children, ensuring their overall development and social integration.
Q10: What are the age criteria for this scheme?
A10: The scheme is open to individuals aged between 6 and 21 years.
Q11: How is “blindness” defined for the purpose of this scheme?
A11: Blindness for this scheme refers to the total or partial absence of sight as certified by a recognized authority.
Q12: Who can apply on behalf of the blind candidate?
A12: The guardian or a social worker can apply on behalf of the eligible child.
Q13: Is the Residential/Domicile Certificate of Jammu & Kashmir mandatory?
A13: Yes, it is a mandatory document to prove permanent residency.
Q14: Can I reapply if I am already availing benefits under this scheme?
A14: Typically, the scheme is designed as a “one family, one benefit” program. Reapplication is generally not permitted if benefits are already being received.
Q15: Is this a state-funded or a centrally funded scheme?
A15: This is a 100% state-funded scheme implemented by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
Q16: Is there any application fee?
A16: No, there is no application fee for this scheme.
Q17: How can I identify mandatory fields in the application form?
A17: Mandatory fields are usually indicated by a specific marker, such as an asterisk.
Q18: Can applicants from neighboring states apply?
A18: No, only permanent residents (domiciles) of Jammu & Kashmir are eligible.
Q19: What is the link to the website of the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir?
A19: Please refer to the official government website for the latest updates and contact details.
Q20: Where can I find the format of the application form? Is it available online?
A20: The application form is typically obtained from the District Social Welfare Office; check with the local office or the official website for online availability.
Q21: Which department manages this scheme?
A21: The scheme is managed by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
Q22: Is it mandatory to self-attest all the required documents?
A22: Yes, all documents must be self-attested before submission.
Q23: Is this scheme a “one family, one benefit” scheme?
A23: Yes, only one benefit per family is allowed under this scheme.