The “Free Bicycle Distribution Scheme” is an initiative by the Welfare Department, Government of Jharkhand, designed to promote education by providing financial support for purchasing bicycles to Scheduled Caste (SC) students. The scheme aims to reduce school dropout rates by ensuring better accessibility to educational institutions.
Objective
- Encourage school attendance by providing better mobility.
- Financially support SC students in Class 8th for bicycle purchase.
- Facilitate accessibility to schools for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
- Promote inclusive education by benefiting both Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) students.
Benefits
Financial assistance of ₹3,000 per student for purchasing bicycles.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account.
Quality Assurance: Bicycles purchased should conform to ISI/ISO standards.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant should be a student studying in Class 8th.
- The applicant should belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- The applicant’s family should belong to either the Below Poverty Line (BPL) or Above Poverty Line (APL) category.
Application Process
Offline Application
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Visit the District Welfare Office
- The applicant should visit the District Welfare Officer (DWO) or Block Welfare Officer (BWO) during office hours.
- Request a hard copy of the application form.
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Fill in the Application Form
- Complete all mandatory fields in the application form.
- Attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
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Submit the Application
- Submit the filled form along with documents to the District Welfare Officer/Block Welfare Officer and School Headmaster.
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Request Acknowledgment
- Collect a receipt or acknowledgment from the submission authority, ensuring that it includes:
Date and time of submission
Unique Identification Number (if applicable)
- Collect a receipt or acknowledgment from the submission authority, ensuring that it includes:
Documents Required
Caste Certificate (Proof of Scheduled Caste status)
School Certificate (Proof of enrollment in Class 8th)
Bank Account Details (Aadhaar-linked bank account for DBT)
Any Other Document (If required by the department)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for the scheme?
A: Students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category who are studying in Class 8th in a recognized school in Jharkhand.
Q: How is the benefit amount disbursed to the beneficiaries?
A: The amount of ₹3,000 is transferred directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Q: What documents are required to apply for this scheme?
A: Students need to provide a Caste Certificate, School Certificate, and Bank Account Details.
Q: Are bicycles provided directly to students?
A: No, the government provides ₹3,000 as financial assistance, and students must purchase bicycles themselves.
Q: Can students use the money for purposes other than buying bicycles?
A: No, the funds must strictly be used for purchasing a new bicycle conforming to ISI/ISO standards.
Q: How do I apply for the scheme?
A: Students must visit the District Welfare Officer (DWO) or Block Welfare Officer (BWO), collect the application form, and submit it along with the required documents.
Q: Can APL students also apply for this scheme?
A: Yes, both APL and BPL Scheduled Caste (SC) students are eligible.
Q: Is there any reservation or relaxation in the eligibility criteria?
A: The scheme is exclusively for SC students in Jharkhand.
Q: Can the scheme be applied for in multiple years?
A: No, the scheme is a one-time benefit for Class 8th students only.
Q: Who ensures the proper utilization of the funds?
A: The District Welfare Department and school authorities oversee the proper implementation and utilization of funds.