Rehabilitation of Cured Leprosy Persons: Pre & Post-Matric Scholarship

Description
The scheme "Pre & Post-Matric Scholarship" is a component of the “Rehabilitation of Cured Leprosy Persons” scheme, implemented by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities SSEPD Department, Government of Odisha. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to the Cured Leprosy children and children of Cured Leprosy Persons studying at pre- and post-matriculation or post-secondary stages to enable them to complete their education. These scholarships are for studies in India only and are awarded where the applicant is studying.

Exclusions
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Benefits
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• **Category****Rate/ Per Month**Pre-Matric (From Std. V to X)₹800/-Post-Matric (From Std. XI-XII)₹1,000/-General Graduate/Post-Graduate Courses₹1,500/-Professional Degrees/ Diplomas/ Certificates₹2,000/-<br>
• > **Note:** The scholarship is provided for a maximum period of 10 months in an academic year.
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Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant is a bonafide resident of Odisha.
2. - The applicant is either a child cured of leprosy or a child of a cured leprosy person.
3. - The applicant is a regular student of recognized educational institutions.
4. - The applicant shall have a family income of not more than Rs. 2,40,000/- per annum.
5. - The applicant is not in receipt of any financial assistance from the State Govt./ Central Govt. under any other scheme.

Required Documents
• Proof of permanent domicile in Odisha.
• Birth certificate or proof of age of the child.
• Proof for being Cured Leprosy Person (of the child/any of the parents).
• Admission letter from a recognized educational institution.
• Income certificate showing annual family income is not more than ₹2,40,000/-.
• Certificate of non-receipt of financial assistance from any other State or Central Government scheme.
• Any other documents (if required).

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Pre & Post-Matric Scholarship” for cured leprosy children and children of cured leprosy persons?
A: The scholarship provides financial assistance to support the education of cured leprosy children and children of cured leprosy persons studying at pre-matriculation or post-secondary stages in India.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
A: Applicants must be residents of Odisha, be cured leprosy children or children of cured leprosy persons, enrolled as regular students in recognized educational institutions, have a family income below [?]2,40,000 per annum, and not be receiving financial assistance from any other State or Central Government scheme.

Q: What is the maximum amount of scholarship I can receive?
A: The scholarship amount varies based on the level of education: [?]800/- per month for pre-matric (Std. V to X), [?]1,000/- per month for post-matric (Std. XI-XII), [?]1,500/- per month for general graduate/post-graduate courses, and [?]2,000/- per month for professional degrees/diplomas/certificates.

Q: How long is the scholarship awarded for?
A: The scholarship is provided for a maximum period of 10 months in an academic year.

Q: What is the application process for the scholarship?
A: Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format in Annexure B to the District Social Security Officer (DSSO) with certification and recommendation from the head of the educational institution.

Q: How do I get my application verified?
A: The head of your educational institution will verify the information provided in the application and recommend it to the DSSO.

Q: What documents are required to apply for the scholarship?
A: You need to provide a completed application form, certification from the head of your institution, proof of residence in Odisha, proof of being cured of leprosy or being a child of a cured leprosy person, a family income certificate, and bank account details.

Q: What if I am receiving another scholarship?
A: Students receiving financial assistance from any other State or Central Government scheme are not eligible for this scholarship.

Q: How will I receive the scholarship amount?
A: The scholarship amount will be directly remitted to your bank account after approval.

Q: What should I do if I am absent from school for a prolonged period?
A: For health-related absences not exceeding three months, the scholarship will be paid in full. For prolonged absences without justified reasons, the DSSO will make a decision after an inquiry.

Q: Is there a requirement for opening a bank account?
A: Yes, a bank account must be opened in the name of the candidate if they are 18 years of age or above, or a joint account in the name of the father, mother, or guardian if the candidate is below 18 years.

Q: Can the scholarship amount be paid for months when the student is not attending school?
A: Scholarships are payable from the month of admission up to the end of the academic session, including the examination month, subject to a maximum of 10 months in an academic year.

Q: What should I do if I need to take a break from my studies?
A: If the absence is due to health reasons and does not exceed three months, the scholarship will still be paid. For extended absences, the DSSO will review and decide based on an inquiry.

Q: How will I know if my application has been approved?
A: The DSSO will inform you once your application has been processed and approved.

Q: Is the scholarship amount fixed or subject to change?
A: The scholarship amount is fixed based on the level of education and is detailed in the scheme guidelines.

Q: What should I do if I have further questions about the scholarship?
A: For additional questions, you should contact the DSSO or the Department responsible for the scholarship scheme.