The Saraswati Vidya Yojana, launched by the UT Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu on 25th February 2021, aims to promote education among girl students and reduce dropout rates.
Under this scheme, bicycles are provided free of cost to all girl students studying in Class VIII (8) in Government and Government-aided schools across the UT.
This initiative aligns with the vision of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” and encourages girls to continue their education by addressing transportation challenges.
Objective of the Scheme
- To promote education among girls by ensuring they have access to transportation.
- To reduce dropout rates at the Secondary & Higher Secondary stage.
- To support girl students from economically weaker sections who may find commuting a challenge.
Benefits
- Free bicycles are provided to all eligible girl students.
- Ensures ease of transportation for school-going girls.
- Encourages higher retention rates in schools.
Eligibility Criteria
- Gender: The applicant must be a girl student.
- Educational Qualification: The girl should be studying in Class VIII (8).
- School Type: The student must be enrolled in a Government or Government-aided school in the UT of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
Exclusions
- Private school students are not eligible.
- A student can avail the benefit only once. If she has already received a bicycle under this scheme, she cannot apply again in the following years.
Application Process
Offline Process (No Individual Application Required)
- Schools will provide the list of eligible students:
- The Headmaster/In-charge Headmaster of the school will provide the total number of enrolled girls in Class VIII to the District Education Office.
- Government will arrange the bicycles:
- The required number of bicycles will be procured and delivered to schools at the start of the academic year.
- Bicycles will be distributed through schools:
- Students do not need to apply individually.
- Schools will distribute bicycles to eligible students at the beginning of the new academic session.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof of the student (School ID, Aadhaar, or any other valid document).
- Any other document as required by the school authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who are the target beneficiaries of the scheme?
The scheme benefits girl students of Class VIII studying in Government and Government-aided schools in the UT of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
Q: Which schools are eligible under this scheme?
Only Government and Government-aided schools in the UT of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
Q: Are private school students eligible for this scheme?
No, students from private schools are not eligible.
Q: Is the scheme limited to any specific class?
Yes, only Class VIII (8) students are eligible.
Q: Which regions are covered under this scheme?
The scheme is applicable across Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman, and Diu.
Q: Who is eligible to receive the bicycle?
Any girl student studying in Class VIII in a Government or Government-aided school within the UT.
Q: How is the number of bicycles required determined?
The Headmaster/In-charge Headmaster of each school submits the total number of eligible girl students to the District Education Office, which arranges the required bicycles.
Q: When will the bicycles be provided?
Bicycles are delivered to schools at the beginning of the new academic year.
Q: Who is responsible for distributing the bicycles?
The school authorities will distribute the bicycles to eligible students.
Q: Does the girl student need to apply individually to receive the bicycle?
No, students do not need to apply individually. The process is handled through the school.
Q: Can a girl student avail the bicycle benefit more than once?
No, each student can avail the benefit only once.
Q: Who has the authority to inquire about the usage of the bicycles?
The District Education Office has the authority to monitor the use of bicycles and ensure they are used for their intended purpose.
Q: What actions can be taken if a bicycle provided under this scheme is found to be sold?
Selling or misusing the bicycle may result in penalties or legal action by the school administration or education department.
Contact for Grievance Redressal
| Region | Address | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli | District Education Office (Silvassa), PWD Campus, Silvassa, Pin: 396230 | Ph: 0260-2642098, Email: [email protected] |
| Daman | District Education Office (Daman), Fort Area, Daman, Pin: 396220 | Ph: 0260-2231126, Email: [email protected] |
| Diu | District Education Office (Diu), Collectorate, Diu, Pin: 362520 | Ph: 02875-252199, Email: [email protected] |
Sources & References