The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) Scholarship Component was launched in 2021-22 and seeks to offer financial support to children of handloom weavers so that they have access to quality education in textile-related disciplines. The scheme is intended to contribute to the socio-economic development of weaver families by enabling their children to gain opportunities for higher studies in textile institutions. It is being done with the aim to enhance weavers’ livelihoods and sustain the handloom sector in India.
Benefits:
Payment Schedule
- The scholarship for the first year will be disbursed after the admission of the ward of handloom weavers/workers.
- Subsequent years’ scholarships will be paid upon submission of the proposal, along with a copy of the mark sheet for the annual exam, and admission proof for the next academic session from the relevant institution.
Eligibility:
- Children of Handloom Weavers/Workers: The scholarship is available for the children of registered handloom weavers/workers. A maximum of two children per weaver/worker can benefit from the scholarship.
- Age Group: The applicant should be between 6 and 16 years of age.
- Course Eligibility: This scheme is available for pursuing 3-year/4-year Diploma, Graduate, and Post Graduate courses at Central/State Government recognized textile institutions.
- Financial Need: The applicant’s family must demonstrate financial need through income verification.
Application Process:
The application process for the scholarship is offline.
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Step 1: Visit the nearest Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC) or Directorate of Handlooms to collect the application form.
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Step 2:
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form and attach a passport-sized photograph.
- Attach all required documents (self-attested if necessary).
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Step 3: Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the concerned WSC.
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Step 4: The WSC will verify the documents and forward the application along with the proposal to the Zonal Office for further processing.
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Step 5: The Zonal Office will scrutinize the proposal and forward the details to the head office for the release of funds.
Documents Required:
- Details of Handloom Weaver/Worker:
- Weaver/Worker Pehchan Card Number, Aadhar Card, Address Proof, Caste Certificate (if applicable), and Income Certificate.
- Details of Weavers’ Children:
- Passport Sized Photograph, Matriculation Certificate (for Date of Birth), Caste Certificate, Aadhar Card, Admission Proof, and Marksheet.
- Supporting Documents:
- Details of Annual Fees for the course, Bank Details (Account Number, Branch, IFSC), and Undertaking confirming no other financial assistance is being received.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Is there a cut-off age for the children of handloom weavers who can apply for this scholarship?
A1: The child of the applicant should be between 6 and 16 years of age.
Q2: Can you detail the position of the District Collector (DC) (Handlooms)?
A2: The District Collector is responsible for the release of funds and ensuring the correct distribution of scholarships.
Q3: What happens to the proposal submitted by the concerned WSC in the Zonal Office?
A3: The application is examined by the Zonal Office, documents are checked and authenticated, and the proposal is sent to the head office for releasing funds.
Q4: What is the involvement of the concerned Weavers’ Service Center (WSC) in the application process?
A4: WSC is the first point of contact, where documents and forms are submitted by applicants. They will verify the applications.
Q5: What documentation is to be submitted for later years’ scholarship?
A5: In case of later years, admission evidence and marksheets for the coming academic session must be submitted to process.
Q6: Through what method does the first-year scholarship get dispersed?
A6: The first-year scholarship is paid out after admission of the weaver’s/worker’s ward.
Q7: Is there another stipend given to the scholarship awardees?
A7: Yes, ₹5,000 is given each month as a stipend to the awardees.
Q8: What are the scholarships covering?
A8: The scholarship covers the tuition fee, admission fee, examination fee, and all other academic charges for which the ward would have to pay, and also gives a stipend.
Q9: How is the scholarship amount paid?
A9: The award amount is credited directly to the bank account of the concerned weaver/worker or his/her child by Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Q10: For which educational institutions is this scholarship available?
A10: This scholarship is provided to students studying in Central/State Government recognized and sponsored textile institutions.
Q11: Could you please explain the need-based approach referred to in the scheme?
A11: The scheme places special emphasis on students belonging to economically weaker backgrounds to provide the support of limited financial resources to such students.
Q12: What is the money provided through this scholarship?
A12: The scholarship provides academic fee sponsorship and a grant of ₹5,000 each month for merit-based students.