In a country like India, where every child has a big dream, education is the strongest way to turn that dream into reality. But this path is not that easy for some children, especially those who face physical or mental disabilities. It often becomes difficult for them to go to school, buy books, or fulfill other needs related to studies. This is where schemes like the government’s Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities come in, which works to make education accessible and inclusive for these children.

Today we will talk about this scheme in detail in this article. What is this scheme, who can apply for it, how to apply, and what are the benefits from it, we will answer all these questions in easy and simple language. If you are a parent, teacher, or know a child who can take advantage of this scheme, then this article will be very useful for you.

Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minorities: An Initiative to Make Education Easier

What is Pre-Matric Scholarship?

Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is a government scheme that provides financial assistance to children who are studying from class 1 to 10 and are facing some kind of disability. The aim of this scheme is that no child should be deprived of education due to disability. Whether the child is struggling with vision, hearing, movement, or any other kind of disability, this scheme helps him to complete his school studies.

This scheme works under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India and is implemented at the national level. Its biggest advantage is that it supports those families who have less financial resources and who find it difficult to bear the expenses of their child’s education.

Objective Of This Scheme

The government’s motive behind launching this scheme is very clear:

• Bringing equality in education: Every child, regardless of his or her physical or mental condition, should get full opportunity to education.
• Reducing financial burden: Many times it is difficult for families to bear the expenses of education of a child suffering from disability. This scheme reduces that burden.
• Promoting self-reliance: Through education, children not only gain self-confidence but also develop the ability to stand on their own feet in the future.
• Inclusion in society: This scheme helps in bringing children with disabilities into the mainstream of society.

Who Can Avail the Benefit of This Scheme?

There are some important conditions that need to be fulfilled to avail the benefits of this scheme. Let us understand these in simple language:

• Proof of disability: The child must have a disability certificate recognized by the government. It should show at least 40% disability. This certificate can be obtained from any government hospital or authorized medical board.
• Class: The child should be studying in class 1 to 10. This scheme is for studies before matriculation (10th class).
• Family income: The annual income of the family should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh. This condition is so that the benefits of the scheme reach those families who really need financial help.
• Citizenship: The child must be a citizen of India.
• Schooling: The child must be studying regularly in a recognized school. This school can be government, aided, or private.

What Are The Benefits?

Under this scheme, various types of financial help are given to the children so that their studies can continue without interruption. These benefits are as follows:

1. Amount of Scholarship

• Children from class 1 to 5 get a scholarship of Rs 500 every month.
• Children from class 6 to 10 get Rs 800 every month.
• This amount is given for 10 months in a year.

2. Help With Books And Uniforms

• Rs 1,000 per year for primary classes (1 to 5).
• Rs 1500 per year for middle and secondary classes (6 to 10).

3. Special Assistance For Disabilities

• If the child needs special equipment due to visual, hearing or any other disability, then separate financial help is given for this as well. This amount can be up to Rs 2000.
• For example, if a child cannot see, he or she may be able to access Braille books or audio devices.

4. Other Assistance:

• If the child lives in a hostel, he gets an additional assistance of Rs 600 per month for accommodation and food.
• If the child goes to school from home (daily scholar), he/she gets Rs 100 per month for transport.

How To Apply?

It is very easy to apply to avail the benefits of this scheme. Nowadays most of the process has become online, which saves both time and effort. Let us understand the application process step-by-step:

1. Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

• Application for this scheme has to be made on the National Scholarship Portal (www.scholarships.gov.in) (www.scholarships.gov.in).
• If you do not have internet facility, you can apply by visiting the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Public Service Centre.

2. Register:

• To apply for the first time on the portal, you will have to register. For this, you will have to provide information like the child’s name, parents’ name, date of birth, and Aadhaar number.
• After registration you will get a user ID and password.

3. Fill Out The Application Form

• After login, select the form for Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.
• Fill in the form correctly with information related to child’s education, school, and family income.
• Disability Certificate, Income Certificate, and School Bonafide Certificate have to be uploaded.

4. Submit And Track:

• After filling the form, submit it. You will get an application number, by which you can track the status of your application.
• If there is any mistake, it can be corrected in time.

5. Verification Of Documents:

• After the application is submitted, the concerned authorities will check your documents. If everything is correct, the scholarship amount will be directly transferred to the child’s bank account.

Some Important Things

• Aadhaar card required: Scholarship amount is given through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), hence the bank account of the child or guardian must be linked to Aadhaar.
• Apply on time: Every year the application dates are announced on the portal. Usually it is between August to October. Apply on time, so that you do not miss the opportunity.
• Correct information: Providing incorrect information in the form may result in the cancellation of the application. So, check all the documents and information carefully.

The Impact Of This Plan

Over the years, this scheme has changed the lives of lakhs of children. Many children, who were on the verge of dropping out of school due to financial constraints or incapacity, are today completing their studies. This scheme gives hope not only to the children but also to their families that their children can also make their place in society.

For example, Reena, a hearing impaired girl from a small village in Madhya Pradesh, is completing her 8th grade with the help of this scheme. Her parents, who are labourers, were unable to pay for books and school fees earlier. But the scholarship money and help for books helped Reena continue her studies. Today, Reena is scoring good marks in her school and wants to become a teacher when she grows up.

What Next?

If you want to take advantage of this scheme or want to help a needy child, first go to the National Scholarship Portal. You can also contact your school or local administration, who can give you the right information and help.

This scheme not only provides financial help but also gives confidence and respect to those children who are often neglected in society. Let us all together strengthen this initiative and ensure that every child gets the right to education.

If you have any questions related to this scheme or you need more information, ask in the comments. We are always ready to help you!