The “Rural Girls’ Incentive Scheme” is an initiative by the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu. It offers financial assistance to girls from Most Backward Classes (MBC) and Denotified Communities (DNC) studying in government or government-aided schools in rural areas of Tamil Nadu, except Chennai District. The scheme aims at improving educational opportunities and reducing dropout rates among these communities. Special emphasis is laid on girls whose parents are widows or destitute.
Benefits
The scheme offers financial aid in the following manner:
- For 3rd to 5th Grade: ₹500 per year
- For 6th Grade: ₹1,000 per year
Eligibility
To avail of the Rural Girls’ Incentive Scheme, the applicant must fulfill the following conditions:
- Student Status: The applicant must be a female student.
- Residence: A resident of Tamil Nadu state, but not a resident of Chennai District.
- Study Area: The applicant should be studying in government or government-aided schools in rural areas.
- Community: The applicant must belong to MBC / DNC.
- Grade: The applicant should be studying in classes 3rd to 6th.
- Income: The Parental Annual Income need not exceed more than ₹1,00,000.
- Preference is given to girls from families headed by widows or destitute parents.
Application Procedure
Offline Application Procedure:
- Step 1: Eligible students should contact the Headmaster of concerned government or government-aided schools in rural areas.
- Step 2: Students would be asked to provide the relevant documents as communicated by the concerned authority.
Required Documents
Following are the list of documents required for applying for the scheme:
- Proof of Identity (Aadhaar Card or other official documents as directed)
- Caste Certificate (MBC/DNC category)
- Proof of School Admission (enrollment in a government or government-aided school)
- Widow or Destitute Certificate (if applicable)
- Address Proof (showing rural area residence)
- Income Proof (parental annual income should be below ₹1,00,000)
- Any Other Documents (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. The “Rural Girls’ Incentive Scheme”: What is it?
In an effort to lower dropout rates and improve educational chances, the program offers financial aid to girls from MBC and DNC communities enrolled in government or government-aided schools in rural Tamil Nadu (apart from Chennai District).
Q2: Who is qualified for the program?
Girls from MBC and DNC groups who are enrolled in third through sixth grade at government or government-aided institutions in rural Tamil Nadu and whose parents make less than ₹1,00,000 a year are eligible.
Q3: What is the incentive worth?
Students in classes 3 through 5 earn ₹500 annually, while those in class 6 earn ₹1,000 annually.
Q4: Is this program open to students from metropolitan areas?
No, students from rural areas are welcome to participate. The Chennai district is not included in this.
Q5: Does the program cover Chennai District?
No, this is not available to students in Chennai District.
Q6: Is there a specific group that is chosen over others?
Yes, preference is given to girls whose parents are either widows or destitute parents.
Q7: Who can be called for more information?
Students will contact the Headmaster of their respective government or government-aided schools in rural areas.
Q8: When was the parental income limit revised?
The parental income limit for eligibility still remains ₹1,00,000 per year.
Q9: Can boys apply for the scheme?
No, the scheme is exclusively meant for girls.
Q10: Are students of private schools eligible?
No, only students in government or government-aided schools in rural areas are eligible.