State Pre-metric Scholarship For Disabled

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Does your child with a disability live in India? Learn about the State Pre-metric Scholarship for Disabled Students, a financial aid program to support their education!

This scheme was launched 2014-15 onwards with the aim to provide financial assistance to the parents of students with disabilities for studying in the pre-matric level. The objectives of this scheme are to support parents of students with disabilities for education of their children studying in 9th and 10th standard and also onwards so that the rate of drop-out, especially in the phase from the elementary to the secondary stage is minimized and thereby improving participation of students with disabilities in 9th and 10th standard and at the post-matric stage of education.

It shall provide support to students with disabilities to study further in order to prepare themselves to earn their livelihood and find a noble place for themselves in the society as they face several barriers physical, financial, psychological, mental in pursuing studies and living with dignity. At times such students are deprived of harnessing their latent skills and thereby miss the opportunity. The students having less than 40% disability (certified by competent medical authority of the state Governments/UTs.) are not eligible. Also, the annual income of the student’s parents/guardian from all sources must not exceed Rs. 2 Lakh.

The financial assistance includes scholarship, reimbursement of compulsory non-refundable fees, book grant, maintenance allowance, escort/reader allowance etc., subject to a maximum ceiling as per norms. The number of scholarships to be granted every year is 46,000 for pre-matric level. The selection of the beneficiaries under this scheme is on the basis of merit after the recommendation of the Governments of State or Union Territories. These schemes will be implemented on-line basis through a web-portal.

Understanding State Pre-metric Scholarship For Disabled

“Pre-matric Scholarship” refers to the period of schooling before matriculation, typically Classes 9 and 10. The State Pre-metric Scholarship for Disabled Students provides financial assistance to students with disabilities enrolled in these classes. This scholarship aims to:

Reduce the financial burden on parents/guardians
Promote access to quality education for SwDs
Encourage continued education and future success

Eligibility Criteria for State Pre-metric Scholarship For Disabled

While eligibility criteria may vary slightly between states, here’s a general overview:

Disability: A student must have a minimum of 40% disability as certified by a government medical board.
Class Level: The scholarship is typically for students studying in Class 9 or 10.
Income Limit: The annual income of the student’s parents/guardians from all sources should fall within the specified limit set by the state government.
Previous Scholarship: Generally, students availing of other government scholarships may not be eligible.
State Residency: The student must be a permanent resident of the state offering the scholarship.

Benefits of the State Pre-metric Scholarship For Disabled

The specific benefits may differ depending on the state government. However, some common benefits include:

Maintenance allowance: A monthly stipend to cover educational expenses.
Book grant: Financial aid to purchase textbooks and other essential learning materials.
Exam fees: Reimbursement of examination fees.
Hostel allowance: Financial assistance for students residing in hostels.
Disability allowance: Additional support to meet the specific needs arising from the disability.

Class: 1st to 4th

Rate of Scholarship (₹ per month): 100/-

Class: 5th to 7th

Rate of Scholarship (₹ per month): 150/-

Class: 8th to 10th

Rate of Scholarship (₹ per month): 200/-

Class: Mentally Retarded and Mentally Ill (up to the age of 18 years)

Rate of Scholarship (₹ per month): 150/-

Class: For disabled trainees in the workshop

Rate of Scholarship (₹ per month): 300/-

Application Process

Online

The application process for the State Pre-metric Scholarship for Disabled Students is usually handled online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) (https://scholarships.gov.in/) or a designated state government scholarship portal. Here’s a general outline:

Registration: Create an account on the scholarship portal.
Application Form: Fill out the online application form carefully, providing accurate details about the student, disability, income, and educational background.
Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents, such as disability certificate, income proof, residence proof, and school leaving certificate.
Submission: Submit the completed application form and documents before the deadline.

Important Tips for Applying

Read the Guidelines: Carefully review the scholarship guidelines published by the respective state government.
Accurate Information: Ensure all information provided in the application is accurate and complete.
Supporting Documents: Double-check that all required documents are uploaded in the specified format.
Meet Deadlines: Submit the application well before the closing date to avoid missing out.

State-Specific Information

While the core purpose of the scholarship remains the same, individual state governments may have specific variations. To ensure you have the latest and most accurate information, it’s crucial to refer to the official website of your state’s education department or social welfare department. Here are some resources to get you started:

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD): https://depwd.gov.in/
National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/

Documents Required

Aadhar Card
Residential Certificate / Domicile Certificate of the State of Maharashtra.
Disability Certificate.
2-Passport Sized Photograph (Signed Across).
Details of the Bank Account (Bank Name, Branch Name, Address, IFSC, etc).
Proof of the Latest Educational Qualification (Passing Certificate or Marksheet).
Bonafide Certificate from the School/College.
Proof of Pursuance of a Pre-Matric Qualification (Fee Receipt, etc).
Any other document required by the School/College or the District Social Welfare Office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which disabilities are covered under the scholarship?

The scholarship covers students with disabilities as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, including locomotor disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, speech and language disability, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, learning disability, mental illness, and specific learning disability.

Can a student avail of both the State Pre-matric Scholarship and the National Pre-matric Scholarship?

Generally, no. Students can only benefit from one government scholarship at a time. However, it’s advisable to check the specific guidelines of your state.

What happens if a student’s disability certificate expires?

Students need to ensure their disability certificate is valid throughout the scholarship period. Renew the certificate if it expires and submit a copy to the scholarship authorities.

What is the selection process for the scholarship?

The selection process varies by state. However, it often involves scrutiny of applications based on eligibility criteria. Some states may have additional selection procedures like merit-based shortlisting.

How are scholarship funds disbursed?

The scholarship amount is typically disbursed directly into the bank account of the student’s parent/guardian or the student’s own account, depending on the state regulations.

Conclusion

The State Pre-metric Scholarship for Disabled Students is a commendable initiative by Indian state governments to support the educational aspirations of students with disabilities. By easing the financial burden and providing additional support, this scholarship can play a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive and equitable education system.

Remember:

Check the official website of your state’s education department for the latest information and application deadlines.
Encourage your child with a disability to pursue their education. This scholarship can significantly help them achieve their academic goals and contribute meaningfully to society.

Sources

Guidelines