The Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme is an initiative in Punjab aimed at ensuring that girl students continue their education beyond primary school by promoting enrollment and reducing dropouts at the senior secondary and higher secondary levels. Named after Mai Bhago, a celebrated Sikh warrior known for her bravery against the Mughals in 1705, the scheme addresses the challenge of long travel distances to schools by providing free bicycles. This support helps girls in rural areas, where families often cannot afford vehicles or even bicycles, to attend school regularly.
Benefits
- Free Bicycles:
All girl students studying in 9th to 12th classes in government schools are provided with free bicycles to facilitate regular school attendance.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency:
The applicant must be a resident of Punjab. - School Enrollment:
The girl student must be enrolled in government schools in standards 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th. - Economic Status:
The student should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
Application Process
The application process for the scheme is conducted offline:
- Contact School Authorities:
- Applicants or their guardians should contact the principal of their concerned school regarding the scheme.
- Obtain Application Form:
- The application form will be provided by the school or the designated authority.
- Fill and Submit:
- Complete the application form and attach all required documents.
- Verification:
- The concerned authority will verify the details provided in the application.
- Benefit Availment:
- After successful verification, the eligible student will receive a free bicycle under the scheme.
Documents Required
- Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card)
- Resident proof
- BPL card
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- School certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme?
It is a scheme in Punjab designed to provide free bicycles to girl students in classes 9th to 12th to ensure they continue their education and reduce dropout rates. -
What are the benefits under the scheme?
The primary benefit is the provision of a free bicycle to eligible girl students. -
Who can avail the benefits?
Only girl students studying in government schools in classes 9th through 12th, who are residents of Punjab and belong to BPL families, are eligible. -
What is the financial eligibility criteria?
Applicants must belong to families that are classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL). -
May other state residents apply for the scheme?
No, the scheme is available exclusively to residents of Punjab. -
How do I apply for the scheme?
Applicants should contact their school principal to obtain the application form, fill it out with the required details, and submit it along with the necessary documents for verification. -
What documents are required for the scheme?
Required documents include an identity card (e.g., Aadhaar), proof of residency, a BPL card, a caste certificate (if applicable), and a school certificate. -
May a student apply before reaching the 9th standard?
No, the scheme is specifically for students in classes 9th to 12th. -
May male students also apply for the scheme?
No, the scheme is exclusively for girl students.