Education is the right of every child, but sometimes financial constraints prevent this right from being fulfilled. Especially for those families who make their living by hard labour, it is not easy to bear the expenses of children’s education. The Government of India has launched the Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Bidi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers – Pre-Matric Scheme to help the children of such families in school studies. This scheme has been created for the children of workers working in Bidi, Cine, Iron Ore Mines (IOMC), and Limestone and Dolomite Mines (LSDM). Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to these children to complete their school studies, so that they can pursue their education without any interruption. In this article, we will talk about this scheme in simple and easy language, so that you can understand it well and take advantage of it.

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What is the purpose of this Scheme?

The scheme has been launched by the Ministry of Labor and Employment, Government of India. It aims to provide financial assistance to the children of workers who work in the beedi industry, cinema industry, iron ore mines, or limestone and dolomite mines. These workers are often low-income and face difficulties in bearing the expenses of their children’s education. Under this scheme, financial assistance is given to children from class 1 to 10, so that they do not leave school and can complete their studies.

This scheme is specifically focused on the pre-matric level, that is, it is for education up to class 10. Its purpose is to ensure that no child is forced to drop out of school due to financial constraints. Also, this scheme helps these children to move towards a better future, so that they can hone their talents and become self-reliant.

Who Can Avail the Benefit of this Scheme?

To avail the benefits of this scheme, some important conditions have to be fulfilled. Let us understand them one by one:

1. Eligible Workers

• At least one of the parents of the child must be a worker in Beedi, Cinema, Iron Ore Mines (IOMC), or Limestone & Dolomite Mines (LSDM).
• The worker should have worked in the relevant industry for a minimum period of 6 months (for beedi workers this period can be 1 year).
• The worker must have a valid identity card (like Bidi Worker ID Card or Mine Worker Registration).

2. Educational Qualification:

• The child should be studying from class 1 to 10 in a recognized government school, government aided school, or private school.
• The child should attend school regularly.

3. Income Limit:

• The monthly income of the worker’s family should not exceed Rs 10,000. In some cases, the income limit may vary depending on the industry, but this information is verified at the time of application.

4. Other Conditions:

• :This scheme is only for children studying in regular schools. Distance learning or open school students are not eligible for this.
• Maximum two children of a family can avail the benefit of this scheme.
• If the child is already availing benefit of any other government scholarship, he will not get the benefit of this scheme.

This scheme is open to all categories, including general, OBC, SC, ST, and Divyang children. The special thing is that boys and girls get equal benefits from it, and there is no discrimination in it.

How Much Financial aid is Available?

Under this scheme, children are given different amounts depending on their class. This amount is deposited directly into the bank account of the child or parents through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The amount given below is given per year:

• Class 1 to 5
  • Normal children: Rs 1,000
  • Disabled children: Rs 2,000
• Class 6 to 8
  • Normal children: Rs 1,500
  • Girls: Rs 2,000
  • Disabled children: Rs 3,000
• Classes 9 to 10:
  • Normal children: Rs 2,000
  • Disabled children: Rs 4,000
  • Girls: Rs 2,500

In addition, in some cases an additional amount may be given for books and uniforms. This amount helps cover school fees, books, uniforms, and other necessary expenses.

How to Apply?

Applying for this scheme is very easy, and it is done online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Offline applications are also accepted in some states. Let us understand the application process step-by-step:

1. Registration on NSP Portal

• Firstly visit the official website of NSP (scholarships.gov.in).
• New Registration” Or “Click Here for OTR” Of find
• Fill in details like child’s name, date of birth, parents’ name, mobile number, email, and Aadhaar number.
• After registration you will get a unique application number and login details.

2. Login and fill out the form

• Login to the portal using your login credentials.
• Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers – Pre-Matric” Yojan of form fill
• Fill in the child’s educational details, parent’s labour details, bank account details, and other required details carefully.

3. Upload the Required Documents

• Parents’ worker identity card (Bidi worker card, mine worker registration, etc.)
• Child’s school mark sheet (previous class)
• Income Certificate (issued by competent authority)
• Copy of Aadhar card
• Copy of bank passbook (account linked to Aadhaar)
• Bonafide Certificate from School
• Disability certificate if the child is disabled

4. Submit the Form:

• Check the form carefully and submit it.
• After submission, you will get an application reference number, keep it safely.

5. Verification:

• Your application will be verified first by the school (L1) and then by the District Nodal Officer (L2).
• The verification dates are updated on the NSP portal every year. The last date for application for the 2024-25 session is usually October 31, but it can also be extended.

Renewal process

• Marksheet of previous class
• Progress report from school
• Labour ID card of parents (if not already uploaded)
• Bank account details (if there is any change)

Renewal requires the child to maintain at least 75% attendance and perform well in school.

Benefits of this Scheme

This scheme is helpful for working families and their children in several ways:

• Financial aid: Funds provided for school fees, books, uniforms, and other expenses ease the burden on the family.
• Continuity in education: This scheme reduces dropout rates and helps retain children in school.
• Encouragement to girls and disabled children: More money is given to girls and disabled children, which promotes their education.
• Social Inclusion: The scheme is open to all sections and helps in reducing socio-economic inequality.

Some Important Things

• Aadhaar Link Account: Scholarship amount is deposited directly into the bank account, so make sure your bank account is linked with Aadhaar.
• Correct information: Avoid providing incorrect information in the form as mistakes may be detected during verification and your application may get rejected.
• Contact the school: Get in touch with the school principal and teachers, as they will verify your application.
• Be on time: Follow the application and verification dates. If you are late, your application will not be accepted.

Why is this Plan Necessary?

Workers in industries like bidi, cinema, and mining often have irregular and low incomes. In such a situation, it becomes difficult to focus on their children’s education. Many times, due to financial constraints, children leave school and start working, due to which their future remains incomplete. This scheme gives these children an opportunity to remain in school and hone their talents. This scheme is a great support especially for girls and differently abled children, as they are given additional incentives. This scheme not only promotes education, but also strengthens socio-economic equality.

At the End

Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers – Pre-Matric Scheme is a ray of hope for those working families who want to educate their children, but lack of money is becoming a hindrance in their way. If any child in your family is eligible for this scheme, then apply without delay by visiting the NSP portal. By applying on time and submitting the necessary documents, you can easily avail the benefits of this scheme. This scheme will not only make your child’s studies easier, but will also brighten their future.If you have any questions, you can contact the NSP Helpdesk (0120-6619540) or visit scholarships.gov.in for more information. Do not miss this golden opportunity to turn your children’s dreams into reality!