National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): Scholarship Component

Description
The National Handloom Development Programme NHDP Scholarship Component has been launched by the Office of Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, running from 2021-22 to 2025-26. It aims to bolster India& 39;s handloom sector and improve the lives of handloom weavers. It particularly targets the children of these weavers, offering financial assistance of up to ₹2,00,000/- annually. This support covers tuition, admission, and examination fees at recognised textile institutions. Additionally, beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000/-. The scheme& 39;s primary objective is to empower weavers& 39; families through education, ensuring the sustainable growth of the handloom industry, thus enhancing their socio-economic conditions and contributing to India& 39;s cultural heritage.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Financial Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition fees, admission fees, examination fees, and other annual fees/charges as required by the academic institution.
• Stipend: In addition to the academic fees, eligible candidates will receive a stipend of ₹5,000/- per month, subject to a maximum of ₹2,00,000/- per child per annum or actuals, whichever is less.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Funds will be directly transferred to the bank account of the concerned handloom weaver/worker or their children through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
• The scholarship for the first year will be disbursed after the admission of the ward of handloom weavers/workers.
• Subsequent years' scholarships will be paid upon submission of the proposal, along with a copy of the mark sheet for the annual exam, and admission proof for the next academic session from the relevant institution.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The scholarship is for the children of handloom weavers/workers (up to 2 children).
2. This support is available for pursuing 3/4 years Diploma/Graduate/Post Graduate courses at Central/State Government recognized and funded Textiles Institutions.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Filing Up the Application Form
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In the prescribed format of the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across), attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required) and submit the same to the concerned WSC.

Step 2: Step 2: Submission of Proposal by Concerned WSC
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Also, the original documents should be verified/attested by the WSC. The Concerned WSC shall submit the complete proposal along with relevant documents in the prescribed format to the concerned Zonal Office within the stipulated time.

Step 3: Step 3: Scrutiny by Concerned Zonal Office
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The concerned Zonal Office shall scrutinise the proposal and send the requirement for funds, along with Annexure-F3 format and relevant details in the prescribed format, to the head office (Hqr.) within a month for sanction/release of funds by the District Collector (DC) (Handlooms).
The 1st-year scholarship shall be paid after the admission of the ward of handloom weavers/workers.
In subsequent years, the scholarship shall be paid on the submission of the proposal along with a copy of the mark sheet for the passing out of the annual exam and admission proof of the next academic session from the institution concerned.

Required Documents
• Passport Sized Photograph (Self-Attested)
• Weaver/Worker Pehchan Card Number (Enclose Copy)
• Aadhar Card Number (Enclose Copy)
• Address (Enclose Copy of Address Proof)
• Caste Certificate
• Passport Sized Photograph (Self-Attested)
• Matriculation Certificate for Date of Birth
• Caste Certificate
• Aadhar Card Number (Enclose Copy)
• Admission Proof from the Institution Concerned in Case of Fresh Student
• Supporting Documents regarding the Type of Institution (Central/State Govt. Recognized/Funded Institution)
• Marksheet for Passing Out of Annual Examination
• Admission Proof of the Next Academic Session from the Institution Concerned in the Case of Pursuing Student (As the Case May Be)
• Total Annual Fee/Charges of Course
• Bank Details: Name of Bank, Account Number, Branch Address, IFSC Code, Enclose Mandate Form Signed by Bank / Cancelled Cheque
• An Undertaking confirming that they have not received similar financial assistance from any other source to the concerned Weavers' Service Centre (WSC).

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an age limit for the children of handloom weavers who can apply for this scholarship?
A: The scheme does not mention an age limit for the children of handloom weavers who can apply.

Q: Can you explain the role of the District Collector (DC) (Handlooms)?
A: The DC (Handlooms) is responsible for sanctioning and releasing funds to the concerned zonal office for onward transfer to the bank account of the handloom weaver/worker or their children.

Q: How is the proposal submitted by the concerned WSC processed at the Zonal Office?
A: The Zonal Office scrutinizes the proposal and sends the requirement of funds, along with relevant details, to the head office for sanction/release of funds by the District Collector (DC) (Handlooms).

Q: What is the role of the concerned Weavers' Service Center (WSC) in the application process?
A: The WSC plays a crucial role in verifying and attesting the documents provided by handloom weavers/workers and forwarding the complete proposal to the Zonal Office.

Q: What are the submission requirements for subsequent years' scholarships?
A: Subsequent years' scholarships are paid upon submission of the proposal, along with a copy of the mark sheet for the annual exam and admission proof for the next academic session from the relevant institution.

Q: How is the first-year scholarship disbursed?
A: The first-year scholarship is paid after the admission of the ward of handloom weavers/workers.

Q: Is there an additional stipend provided to scholarship recipients?
A: Yes, in addition to academic fees, eligible candidates receive a monthly stipend of [?]5,000, subject to a maximum of [?]2,00,000 per child per annum or actuals, whichever is less.

Q: What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
A: The scholarship covers tuition fees, admission fees, examination fees, and other annual fees/charges required by the academic institution.

Q: How is the scholarship amount disbursed?
A: The scholarship amount is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to the bank account of the concerned handloom weaver/worker or their children.

Q: What educational institutions are eligible for this scholarship?
A: Central and State government-recognised and funded Textile Institutions are eligible for this scholarship.

Q: Can you clarify the need-based approach mentioned in the scheme?
A: The need-based approach means that the scholarship is provided based on the financial needs of the handloom weavers' children, ensuring that those who require it the most receive support.

Q: What is the financial support offered under this scholarship?
A: The scholarship provides a maximum of [?]2,00,000 per annum for up to 2 children of handloom weavers/workers for pursuing diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses at recognized government-funded textile institutions.

Q: How long is the NHDP Scholarship Component intended to be implemented?
A: The scheme is designed to be implemented from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26.