Education is the right of every child, and it is the strongest foundation for shaping the future of the country. But for some families, especially those who have lost their loved ones for the security of the country, it is not easy to bear the expenses of higher education of children. For the children of police personnel martyred in terrorism or Naxal attacks, the Government of India has started a special scheme called Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Children of Police Personnel Martyrs in Terror/Naxal Attacks. This scheme provides financial assistance to children who want to pursue their studies after matriculation (10th class). In this article, we will talk about this scheme in simple and clear language, so that you can easily understand it and take advantage of it.

Scholarships for Higher Education for Students with Disabilities

What is this Scheme?

Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is run under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Its objective is to provide financial assistance to the children of police personnel who have lost their lives in terrorist or Naxal attacks. This scheme is for those children who want to study 11th, 12th, graduation, post-graduation, or professional courses like engineering, medical, law, management etc. after passing 10th class.

The aim of this scheme is to ensure that the children of martyred police personnel do not leave their studies midway due to financial constraints. This scheme not only gives a better future to the children but also provides respect and support to the families who have made such a big sacrifice for the security of the country.

Who Can Avail the Benefit of this Scheme?

There are some necessary conditions to take advantage of this scheme. Let us understand them in simple language:

• Eligible Persons:
  • Children of police personnel who have been martyred in terrorist or Naxal attacks. This includes personnel of the State Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), or Assam Rifles.
  • The widow of a martyred police personnel can also apply for her children under this scheme.
• Level of education: This scheme is for post-matric studies, i.e. studies after class 10. It includes 11th, 12th, graduation, post graduation, diploma, and professional courses (like MBBS, B.Tech, BBA, BCA, LLB etc.).
• Minimum marks: It is necessary to have at least 60% marks in the previous class. There can be some relaxation in this for SC/ST category students.
• Regular studies: The student must be studying regularly in a recognized school, college, or institute. Distance learning or correspondence courses are not covered under this scheme.
• First time professional course: If the student is taking admission in a professional degree course (like Engineering, Medical, Law) for the first time then preference is given.
• Family Status: This scheme is exclusively for children whose parents have been martyred in terrorist or Naxal attacks.

How Much is the Scholarship Amount?

The amount of scholarship offered under this scheme varies based on gender and course. Below are the details:

• For girls: Rs 3,000 per month (Rs 36,000 per annum).
• For boys: Rs 2,500 per month (Rs 30,000 per annum).

This amount is given for the duration of the course, such as 3 years for graduation, 4 years for engineering, or 5 years for medical courses. This money is sent directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Apart from this, in some special cases, additional help may also be given for tuition fees, books, or other educational expenses.

How to Apply?

To avail the benefits of this scheme, it is important to understand the application process. The government has made it easy and online. The step-by-step process is given below:

• Visit the National Scholarship Portal: You need to visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) (www.scholarships.gov.in). Select the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme option there.
• Register: If you are applying for the first time, then register on the portal. For this, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID will be required.
• Fill the form: After registration, you will have to fill an online form. It will contain your personal details, educational details, and details related to the martyred parents.
• Upload required documents: You will need to upload some documents, such as:
  • Martyrdom certificate of the martyred police personnel.
  • 10th and 12th mark sheets.
  • Aadhar card.
  • Bank account statement (copy of the first page).
  • Certificate of admission to the course.
  • Passport size photo.
  • Identity card for the widow of the martyr (if applicable).
• Submit: Submit the form and documents after checking them carefully. You will get an application number, keep it safe.
• Verification: After the application is submitted, the documents will be verified by your school/college and the concerned police department. If everything is found correct, the scholarship will be transferred to your account.

Benefits of this Scheme

This scheme is helpful in many ways. Some of the major benefits are as follows:

• Financial Aid: This scheme is a great support for families who have lost their loved ones and now find it difficult to bear the expenses of their children’s education.
• Promotion of education: This scheme motivates children towards higher education and professional courses, so that they can become self-reliant.
• Respect and Support: This scheme gives respect to the families of martyrs and helps their children to build a better future.
• Transparent process: Online application and DBT ensures that the money reaches the right person at the right time.

Some Important Things

• Application Deadline: The last date for application is fixed every year, which is usually between August to November. So apply on time.
• Veracity of documents: Submission of incorrect or incomplete documents may result in rejection of the application. Fill all the information correctly and completely.
• Limited seats: A limited number of scholarships are awarded every year under this scheme. So it is beneficial to apply early.
• Help Desk: If you have any problem with the application, contact your nearest police department, CAPF office, or school/college administration.

What to do if the Application is Rejected?

Sometimes the application may get rejected due to technical reasons, incomplete documents, or incorrect information. If this happens, do not panic. You can check the status of your application on the National Scholarship Portal. Contact your police department or NSP helpline number to know the reason for rejection. After correcting the reason, you can apply again in the next session.

Some Motivational Stories

This scheme has given a new direction to the lives of many children. For example, Neha, the daughter of a policeman martyred in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, completed her medical studies with the help of this scheme. Today she is a doctor and has become the support of her family. Similarly, Ajay, the son of a policeman martyred in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh, earned an engineering degree with the help of this scholarship and is now working in a good company. These stories tell us that with hard work and the right opportunity, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.

Conclusion

Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Children of Police Personnel Martyrs in Terror/Naxal Attacks is a scheme that empowers the children of the brave martyrs of the country through education. It s who have made such a great sacrifice for the security of the country. If you or someone you know is eligible for this scheme, then do not waste time. Apply today on the National Scholarship Portal and give wings to your children’s dreams.

For more information, you may visit National Scholarship Portal (www.scholarships.gov.in) or contact your nearest Police Department/CAPF office.