Education is considered the right of every child in India, but economic and social challenges make it difficult for many children to achieve this right. Especially children from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community often face many obstacles in their studies. To reduce these obstacles and give children better education opportunities, the Government of India has launched the Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students Scheme. This scheme is a ray of hope for those families who want to send their children to school but are unable to do so due to financial constraints. In this article, we will talk about this scheme in detail, so that you can understand it easily and take advantage of it.

What is Pre-Matric Scholarship?

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme aims to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) children studying from class 1 to 10. This scheme is run under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its main objective is to ensure that no child is forced to leave school due to financial constraints. Through this scholarship, children get financial assistance for books, school uniforms, and other necessary things, so that they can complete their studies without any interruption.

This scheme is specially designed for those families whose annual income is low and who find it difficult to bear the expenses of their children’s education. This scholarship not only helps in keeping the children in school but also provides relief to their families from the financial burden.

National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students: A Golden Opportunity for Higher Education

Objective of the Scheme

The main objective of the Pre-Matric Scholarship is to bring equality in the field of education. Scheduled caste children often face social and economic discrimination, due to which they leave their studies midway. Through this scheme, the government wants to fulfill the following objectives:

• Continuity in education: Preventing children from dropping out of school and regularizing their studies.
• Financial aid: To reduce the cost of education of children of low-income families by giving them financial aid.
• Social Equality: To reduce social discrimination by connecting Scheduled Caste children to mainstream education.
• Steps towards Self-Reliance: Helping children have a better future and making them self-reliant through education.

What Do You Get In Scholarship?

Under the pre-matric scholarship, various types of financial assistance are given to the children. This assistance may vary slightly depending on the rules of different states and the central government, but generally includes the following things:

• Monthly Scholarship: Children from class 1 to 10 are given a fixed amount every month. This amount can usually range from Rs 150 to Rs 250 per month, which is deposited directly into the child’s or guardian’s bank account.
• Books and uniform assistance: Additional funds are provided for school books, notebooks, uniforms, and other necessary items. This amount can be given once a year
• Extra support for children with special needs: If a child is disabled, he or she is given extra support, such as special material for books or other necessary equipment.
• For children living in hostels: If the child studies while living in a hostel, he/she gets a separate amount for hostel expenses.

How To Apply?

Applying for Pre-Matric Scholarship is very easy. The government has made it available both online and offline, so that more and more people can take advantage of it. Follow these steps to apply:

• Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): The easiest way to apply for central government scholarships is through the National Scholarship Portal (www.scholarships.gov.in). On this portal, you will find the option of Pre-Matric Scholarship.
• Register: If you are applying for the first time, then register on the portal. For this, you will have to provide the name of the child, school details, and guardian information.
• Upload documents: You need to upload some important documents, such as:
  • Caste Certificate
  • Income Certificate
  • Aadhaar card of child
  • School Bonafide Certificate
  • Bank account details
• Submit the application: After filling all the information and documents correctly, submit the application. After submitting the application, you will get a registration number, keep it safe.
• Offline Application: If you do not have internet facility, you can contact your school or local social welfare department office. From there you will get the application form, which has to be filled and submitted.

Important points

• Application Deadline: Every year there is a deadline to apply for scholarships. Usually it is between July and September. It is important to apply on time, otherwise you may miss the opportunity.
• Document Verification: All documents must be correct and complete while applying. Providing incorrect information may result in rejection of the application.
• Role of school: The school has to provide information about the child’s attendance and studies. So keep in touch with the school.
• Helpline: If you face any problem in applying, you can contact the helpline of National Scholarship Portal or the Social Welfare Department of your state.

Benefits Of The Scheme

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme has transformed the lives of millions of children and their families. Some of the major benefits of this scheme are as follows:

• Continuity in studies: With financial assistance, children complete their studies instead of dropping out of school.
• Relief to families: Low-income families find it easier to afford children’s education.
• Better future: Through education, children become self-reliant and are able to contribute to improving the financial condition of their family.
• Social Change: Through this scheme, children of Scheduled Castes are being connected to the mainstream of the society, thereby promoting social equality.

Some Challenges And Solutions

Although this scheme is very good, it also has some challenges. Many families are not aware of the scheme, or they face difficulty in applying online. Apart from this, children are not able to take advantage of this scheme due to lack of awareness in some schools.

The government and social organizations are working together to solve these problems. Awareness campaigns are being run in schools, and camps are being organized in rural areas to inform people about the scheme. If there is a family around you that needs this scheme, you can inform them about it.

Conclusion

Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students Scheme is a step that helps SC children to move forward on the path of education. It brings a positive change not only for the children but also for the entire family and society. If you or someone around you is eligible for this scheme, do not waste time. Apply today and take your children towards a better future. Education is the right of every child, and this scheme is a strong support in fulfilling that right.

If you have any questions about this scheme or need more information, contact your nearest social welfare department or school. Let’s come together and give every child a chance to study!