The “Student Housing Scheme for Students with Disabilities” is an initiative by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Chhattisgarh. This scheme provides free accommodation facilities for groups of up to five disabled students. Its objective is to motivate and support students with disabilities in pursuing higher education by offering hostel accommodations at a fixed, subsidized rent rate. The scheme also extends its benefits to disabled students studying in other states.
Benefits
- Free Accommodation:
- The scheme offers free housing to one or more groups (up to 5 students per group) at a fixed rental rate determined by city category.
- Rent Subsidy Rates:
- A Category Cities: Up to ₹10,000/- per month (inclusive of electricity and other expenses).
- B Category Cities: Up to ₹7,000/- per month.
- C Category Cities: Up to ₹5,000/- per month.
- Direct Payment:
- The rent is paid directly into the landlord’s account via NEFT/RTGS/DBT.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a resident of Chhattisgarh.
- Student with Disability:
- The applicant should be a student with disabilities.
- Must have a disability of 40% or above.
- Educational Qualification:
- The applicant must have passed the Higher Secondary Examination.
- Must be enrolled as a regular student in a College, Polytechnic, or ITI (students failing any academic session are not eligible).
- Distance Requirement:
- The distance from the applicant’s original residence to the educational institution must be more than 20 kilometers.
Application Process
- Form a Group:
- Regular students enrolled in a College, Polytechnic, or ITI should form a group of up to 5 eligible students.
- Prepare the Application:
- Write an application on plain paper including the complete bio-data of all group members.
- Attach separate certificates proving each student’s enrollment in a regular course.
- Attach Certificates:
- Include resident certificates and Disability Certificates issued by the medical board for all group members.
- Obtain a certificate (from the respective Sarpanch/Panch or Municipal Authority) confirming that the distance between the applicant’s original residence and the educational institution exceeds 20 kilometers.
- Submit Application:
- Submit the complete set of applications to the District Office of the Joint/Deputy Director, Social Welfare.
- Submission Frequency:
- Applications must be submitted annually.
Post-Application Process
- Review & Approval:
- The Joint/Deputy Director of the Social Welfare District Office reviews the application and, after obtaining the Collector’s approval, communicates the decision within 30 days.
- Agreement:
- After approval, an agreement in the prescribed format is prepared with the landlord, and copies are provided to the police station, Joint/Deputy Director, and other concerned parties.
- Monthly Verification:
- Accommodation is verified monthly via a certificate from the landlord confirming that the students are residing there and are not engaged in any unlawful activities.
- Non-Compliance:
- If a student fails to reside in the rented accommodation for two consecutive months, their approval is canceled. Reapproval is possible only upon reapplication with a valid reason.
Documents Required
- Photograph:
- Passport-size photograph.
- Identity Proof:
- Aadhaar card.
- Educational Certificates:
- Higher Secondary and/or other educational qualification certificates.
- Disability Certificate:
- Certificate issued by a recognized medical board.
- Enrollment Certificate:
- Certificate from the Principal/Head of the Institution confirming regular enrollment.
- Distance Certificate:
- A certificate from the Sarpanch, Panch, or Municipal Authority confirming that the applicant’s original residence is at least 20 kilometers from the college.
- Additional Documents:
- Any other documents as required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Who is eligible to benefit from this scheme?
- Students with disabilities (40% or above) who are residents of Chhattisgarh, have passed the Higher Secondary Examination, and are enrolled as regular students in a recognized institution.
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What are the benefits provided under this scheme?
- Free accommodation in a hostel facility with rent subsidies based on city category (A, B, or C).
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How are payments made to the landlords?
- Payments are made directly to the landlord’s account via NEFT/RTGS/DBT.
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How should the distance verification certificate be obtained?
- It must be issued by the respective Sarpanch, Panch, or the appropriate Municipal Authority (e.g., Municipal Corporation, Municipality, or Nagar Panchayat).
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Where should the completed application be submitted?
- To the District Office of the Joint/Deputy Director, Social Welfare.
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How often should applications be submitted?
- Annually.
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What is the process after submitting the application?
- The Joint/Deputy Director reviews the application, seeks approval from the Collector, and notifies the applicant within 30 days. A rental agreement is then prepared, and monthly verifications are conducted.
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What if the accommodation is not verified or students are involved in unlawful activities?
- The benefit may be revoked if monthly verification reveals non-compliance or unlawful activities.
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What happens if a student fails to stay in the accommodation for two consecutive months?
- Their approval will be canceled, and reapplication is required with a valid reason.
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Can students apply if they are studying outside Chhattisgarh?
- This scheme is for residents of Chhattisgarh; students studying outside the state may not be eligible.
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What is the role of the Joint/Deputy Director of Social Welfare in the scheme?
- They review and approve applications, coordinate with the Collector for final approval, and ensure compliance with the scheme guidelines.