In today’s time, education is the right of every child. But sometimes due to financial constraints, some families are unable to provide higher education to their children. Especially in those families who work in sectors like Bidi, Cine, Iron Ore Mining (IOMC), or Limestone and Dolomite Mining (LSDM). For these families, the Government of India has started a special scheme called “Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Bidi / Cine / IOMC / LSDM Workers – Post-Matric”. This scheme provides financial assistance to children who want to continue their studies after matriculation (10th class). In this article, we will talk about this scheme in detail, so that you can understand it easily and take advantage of it.

National Means Cum Merit Scholarship: Education support for economically weaker students

What is this Scheme?

This scheme is run under the Ministry of Labor and Employment, Government of India. It aims to provide financial assistance to the children of workers who work in sectors such as bidi, cinema, iron ore mining, or limestone and dolomite mining. These workers are often low-income and find it difficult to afford higher education for their children. Under this scheme, children are given scholarships for post-matric level studies (from class 11 to graduation, post-graduation, and professional courses). This scholarship helps cover tuition fees, books, and other necessary expenses.

The aim of this scheme is to ensure that no child has to leave his studies midway due to financial constraints. This is a great support for those families who dream of providing good education to their children but are unable to fulfill their dream due to lack of money.

Who Can Avail the Benefit of this Scheme?

There are some necessary conditions to avail the benefits of this scheme. Let us understand them in simple language:

• Eligible worker: Your parent or guardian must be a worker working in the beedi, cinema, IOMC, or LSDM sector. For this, they must have a labor identity card issued by the Labor Welfare Organization.
• Level of education: This scheme is only for post-matric studies, i.e. studies after passing class 10. This includes 11th, 12th, graduation, post graduation, diploma, and professional courses like engineering, medical, law, etc.
• Income limit: The annual income of the family should not exceed a certain limit. This limit is Rs 1 lakh per annum for beedi and cinema workers and Rs 1.2 lakh per annum for mining workers (IOMC/LSDM).
• Minimum marks: Minimum 50% marks in the previous class is a must. However, this can be relaxed in certain special cases (such as for SC/ST category).
• Regular studies: The student must be studying regularly in a recognized school, college, or institute. This scholarship is not applicable for distance learning or correspondence courses.
• Application process: One has to apply online for this scheme. For this, necessary documents like labor identity card, income certificate, and copy of previous class mark sheet have to be uploaded.

How Much is the Scholarship Amount?

The amount of scholarship under this scheme varies depending on the course and class. Below are some examples, which will give you an idea of ​​how much help it can provide

• Class 11th and 12th: Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per year.
• Graduation (BA, B.Sc, B.Com etc.): Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 per annum.
• Professional courses (Engineering, Medical, Law etc): Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per annum.
• Postgraduate courses: Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per year.

Apart from this, in some special cases, help can also be given for additional expenses such as books, hostel fees, or other educational needs. This amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), so that transparency is maintained.

How to Apply?

To avail the benefits of this scheme, it is very important to understand the application process. The good thing is that the government has made it easy and online. Below is the step-by-step process:

• Visit the online portal: First of all, you need to visit the official website of the labour welfare organisation or the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). There select the option of “Post-Matric Scholarship for Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers”.
• Register: If you are applying for the first time, you will have to register on the portal. For this, your Aadhaar number and mobile number are required.
• Fill the form: After registration, you will have to fill an online form. In this, you will have to provide your personal information, educational details, and family income related information.
• Upload documents: You need to upload some important documents, such as:
  • worker identity card
  • Income Certificate
  • Marksheet of 10th and other classes
  • Aadhar card
  • Bank account statement
  • Passport size photo
• 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 labour welfare office. If everything is found to be 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 assistance: This scheme is a boon for families who cannot afford the education of their children. It reduces the burden of tuition fees, books, and other necessary expenses.
• Promotion of education: This scheme encourages children to pursue higher education, so that they can make a better career
• Transparent process: Online application and DBT ensure that the money reaches the beneficiary directly.
• Social Inclusion: The scheme helps in bringing the weaker sections of the society, especially working families, into the mainstream.

Some Important Things

• Application Deadline: Every year the government decides the last date for application. Usually it is between August to November. So apply on time.
• Veracity of documents: Submission of incorrect or fake documents may result in the rejection of the application. So fill all the information correctly and completely.
• Help Desk: If you have any problem in applying, contact the nearest Labour Welfare Office or School/College Administration.

What to do if the Application is Rejected?

Sometimes the application may get rejected due to technical reasons or incomplete documents. If this happens, do not panic. You can contact the nearest labor welfare office. From there you will know the reason for rejection, and you can correct it and apply again.

Some Motivational Stories

This scheme has changed the lives of many children. For example, Rani, the daughter of a bidi worker from Jharkhand, completed her engineering studies with the help of this scheme. Today she is working in a good company and has become the support of her family. Similarly, Amit, the son of a mining worker from Odisha, started studying medicine with the help of this scholarship. These stories show that if one works hard and gets the right opportunity, any child can fulfill his dreams.

Conclusion

Financial Assistance for Education of the Wards of Beedi/Cine/IOMC/LSDM Workers – Post-Matric Scheme is a step that works towards empowering the weaker sections of the society through education. It not only gives a better future to the children but also strengthens their families financially and socially. If you or someone you know is eligible for this scheme, don’t waste time. Apply today and give wings to your children’s dreams.

For more information, you can visit National Scholarship Portal (www.scholarships.gov.in) or contact the nearest Labour Welfare Office.