Launched in 1977-78, the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme is an initiative by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme provides financial support to children whose parents are engaged in occupations that expose them to health hazards such as manual scavenging, waste picking, tanning, and hazardous cleaning. The primary objective is to promote pre-matric education among these children, reducing school dropouts and encouraging academic advancement.
Benefits
- Rate of Scholarship:
- Day Scholars (Class 1st to 10th): ₹ 110/- per month for ten months.
- Hostellers (Class 3rd to 10th): ₹ 700/- per month for ten months.
- Ad-Hoc Grant:
- ₹ 750/- per annum for day scholars.
- ₹ 1000/- per annum for hostellers.
- Additional Provisions for Students with Disabilities:
- Reader Allowance: ₹ 100 per month for blind students in classes III to X.
- Transport Allowance: ₹ 50 per month for disabled students who are not residing in the hostel within the school premises.
- Escort Allowance: ₹ 50 per month for severely handicapped day scholars with lower extremity disabilities.
- Extra Coaching Allowance: ₹ 100 per month for mentally retarded and mentally ill students in classes III to X.
- Special Pay: ₹ 100 per month for hostel staff assisting severely orthopedically handicapped students.
Duration and Course of Studies
- For Day Scholars:
Scholarships are available from Class 1 onwards until Class 10. - For Hostellers:
Scholarships are available from Class 3 onwards until Class 10. - Duration of Scholarship:
The scholarship is provided for 10 months in an academic year.
Mode of Disbursal
- The scholarship amount will be disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
- Payments will be made from the date of joining to the date of leaving the school, excluding vacation periods.
Eligibility Criteria
- Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to children of Indian nationals whose parents/guardians belong to the following occupations:- Tanners & Flayers
- Waste Pickers
- Manual Scavengers (as per Manual Scavengers Act, 2013)
- Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning (as per Manual Scavengers Act, 2013)
- Other Conditions:
- Regular Attendance: Students must maintain regular attendance, as determined by the school authority.
- No Dual Scholarships: Beneficiaries cannot avail of other pre-matric scholarships simultaneously.
- Academic Performance: The scholarship will be discontinued if the student fails to secure annual promotion, except in unavoidable circumstances certified by the Head of the Institution.
- Disciplinary Action: Scholarships may be suspended or canceled if a student violates school discipline.
- Migration Restrictions: Students are not allowed to migrate between institutions mid-year unless under exceptional circumstances.
Application Process
Mode: Online
- Scheme Announcement:
The State Governments/Union Territory Administrations will announce the scheme through local newspapers and other media. - Obtaining Application Forms:
Application forms will be made available by the concerned State Department. - Filling and Submitting the Form:
- Students should fill the application form and submit it to the school authorities.
- Schools will upload the applications on the official portal.
- Renewal of Scholarship:
Scholarships may be renewed annually by the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration.
Documents Required
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Aadhaar Card (Optional/Mandatory as per State guidelines)
- Bank Details (Aadhaar-linked bank account)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of Educational Qualification
- Bonafide Certificate from the school
- Birth Certificate
- Certification from Authorities:
A certificate from the District Social Welfare Officer or an Identified Local Authority proving that at least one parent of the applicant is engaged in the eligible occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the objective of the Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme?
To financially support children of parents engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations to pursue pre-matric education and prevent school dropouts. - What are the financial benefits of this scheme?
Day scholars receive ₹ 110/month and hostellers receive ₹ 700/month, along with an ad-hoc grant. - Can students benefit from multiple pre-matric scholarship schemes?
No, beneficiaries of this scheme cannot avail of other pre-matric scholarships. - Are students allowed to work while receiving this scholarship?
No, students are not allowed to take up employment or assist parents during their studies. - How is the scholarship amount disbursed?
The scholarship is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account. - What occupations are covered under this scheme?
The scheme covers manual scavengers, waste pickers, tanners & flayers, and persons engaged in hazardous cleaning. - Are there additional benefits for students with disabilities?
Yes, students with disabilities receive transport allowances, reader allowances, and other specialized support. - What happens if a student fails to secure annual promotion?
The scholarship will be discontinued unless unavoidable circumstances are certified by the Head of the Institution. - Can children adopted by those engaged in these occupations receive the scholarship?
Yes, adopted children of individuals engaged in these occupations are eligible, subject to proof.
Sources and References