Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for the Children of Parents/Guardians Engaged in Unclean and Hazardous Occupations - Goa

Description
The "Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for the Children of Parents/Guardians Engaged in Unclean and Hazardous Occupations" is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa. The scheme aims to support, through financial assistance, parents of children belonging to Other Disadvantaged Categories for education of their wards studying at the Pre-Matric stage so that their participation improves, the incidence of drop-out especially in the transition from the primary to the next level and elementary to the secondary stage is minimized, they perform better and have a better chance of progressing to the Post-matric stage of education.

Benefits
• Assistance:
• With effect from 2022-23, the students shall be given a consolidated academic allowance, as follows:
• Day Scholar: ₹3,500/- per annum
• Hosteller: ₹8,000/- per annum (For Class III-X)

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a student.
2. The applicant should be a resident of Goa.
3. The applicant’s parents/guardians should be engaged in an unclean or hazardous occupation.
4. The student should be studying in Class I to X on a full-time basis.
5. Scholarship will be admissible to the children/wards of parents/guardians who, irrespective of their caste/religion belong to one of the following categories:
6. - Persons who are Manual Scavengers as defined under section 2(I) (g) of Manual Scavengers Act 2013
7. - Tanners & Flayers;
8. - Waste pickers and
9. - Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning as defined in Section 2(1) (d) of [Manual Scavengers Act 2013](https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/8868/1/a2013-25msact.pdf). For the purpose of classification in this category, the eligible candidates will be required to submit a certificate from District Social Welfare officer/ identified officer of Local body/ Civic Agency/any such authority as designated by the State Government.
10. There is no family income ceiling under this component of the Scheme.
11. A scholarship holder under this scheme will not hold any other educational scholarship for the purpose of studying in class I to X. If awarded any other educational scholarship for studying in classes I to X, the students can avail of either of the two scholarships as per his/her choice and should inform the awarding authority to the Head of the Institution about the option made.

Required Documents
• Copy of Aadhar Card
• Passport size photographs
• Certificate from the employer
• Attested copies of Bank Passbook
• Copy of Marksheet

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: The objective is to provide financial assistance to children of disadvantaged parents engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations, to improve their participation in education and reduce drop-out rates, especially from primary to secondary levels.

Q: Who is eligible for this scholarship?
A: Students studying in Classes I to X whose parents/guardians are involved in specified unclean or hazardous occupations are eligible, regardless of caste or religion.

Q: Which occupations are considered “unclean and hazardous” under this scheme?
A: The eligible occupations include:

1. Manual scavengers (as per Manual Scavengers Act, 2013)
1. Tanners and flayers
1. Waste pickers
1. Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning (as defined in the Act)

Q: What is the duration of financial assistance under the scheme?
A: The scholarship is provided annually as long as the student remains eligible and continues their studies from Class I to X.

Q: Is there any income ceiling for eligibility?
A: No, there is no family income ceiling under this scheme.

Q: Are students from all religions and castes eligible?
A: Yes, eligibility is based on occupation, not on caste or religion.

Q: What is the scholarship amount for day scholars?
A: Day scholars receive a consolidated academic allowance of ₹3,500 per annum.

Q: What is the scholarship amount for hostellers?
A: Hostellers studying in Classes III to X receive ₹8,000 per annum.

Q: Are students of Class I and II eligible for hostel scholarship?
A: No, hostel scholarship is applicable only from Class III to X.

Q: Do Divyang (disabled) students get any additional benefit?
A: Yes, Divyang students get a 10% extra allowance over and above the standard academic allowance.

Q: How is disability defined under this scheme?
A: Disability is defined as per the Right of Persons with Disability Act, 2016. A certificate issued by a designated certifying authority is required.

Q: Can a student receive this scholarship along with another scholarship for the same education level?
A: No, a student cannot receive this scholarship along with any other educational scholarship for Classes I to X. They must choose only one.
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Q: Is there any preference for girls or SC/ST students?
A: No specific preference is mentioned; the scheme is occupation-based and applies to all students from the eligible categories.