Education is one of the most powerful tools for social and economic empowerment. To promote education among backward class students and reduce financial barriers to schooling, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, through the Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department, has introduced the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Backward Class Students scheme. This initiative aims to support students from backward classes who are in classes 6th to 10th, offering them financial assistance to continue their studies without the burden of financial strain.
The scheme focuses on providing a much-needed stipend to help these students complete their education and improve their future prospects. Through this article, we will dive deeper into the details of the scheme, its benefits, eligibility, required documents, and how to apply.
Objective of the Scheme
The main objective of the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Backward Class Students is to provide financial support to students belonging to economically disadvantaged backward class families. This initiative ensures that students from these families do not drop out of school due to financial difficulties and can continue their education from the 6th to the 10th grade.
Key Benefits
The scheme offers financial aid to eligible students in the form of monthly scholarships, which are credited annually in a lump sum on September 30th. This scholarship helps students meet their day-to-day educational expenses, including study materials, transportation, and other school-related costs.
The scholarship amounts differ based on the class of the student and their gender:
- Classes 6th to 8th:
- Boys: ₹20 per month
- Girls: ₹30 per month
- Classes 9th to 10th:
- Boys: ₹30 per month
- Girls: ₹40 per month
The scholarship is awarded for 10 months annually, and the total amount for the year is paid in a single installment, typically on September 30th.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail of the benefits of this scheme, students must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Class Enrollment: The student must be enrolled in classes 6th to 10th in a recognized school.
- Income Taxpayer Status: The applicant’s parents or guardians should not be income taxpayers, ensuring that the scholarship is directed toward students from low-income families.
- Land Ownership: The parents or guardians of the applicant should not own more than 10 acres of land. This condition ensures that the scholarship benefits are directed towards families that truly need financial assistance.
These criteria are designed to target the scholarship at students who belong to economically disadvantaged sections of society and need financial support for their education.
Documents Required for Application
To apply for the Pre-Matric Scholarship, applicants must submit the following documents:
- Caste Certificate: To verify that the student belongs to a backward class, which is a prerequisite for applying for this scheme.
- Income Certificate: To prove that the parents/guardians do not pay income tax, confirming their low-income status.
- Land Ownership Proof: A document showing that the family owns less than 10 acres of land.
- Bank Account Details: The scholarship amount will be credited directly to the student’s bank account, so the bank account details, including a passbook or bank statement, are required.
- Application Form in the Prescribed Format: The application form can be obtained from the respective educational institution or online portal and should be filled out accurately.
- Bonafide Certificate or Proof of Admission in School: To confirm that the student is enrolled in the school, a bonafide certificate or admission proof must be submitted.
- Proof of Age or Date of Birth: A birth certificate or school records will be required as evidence of the student’s date of birth.
- Academic Records (If Applicable): If the student has been previously enrolled in the school and has attended classes in the past, academic records should be provided to demonstrate their educational progress.
