The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme was introduced in 1977-78 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to support the educational needs of children whose parents or guardians are engaged in hazardous, health-risk occupations such as manual scavenging, waste picking, tanning, and flaying. This scheme offers essential financial assistance to ensure that children from these marginalized communities are not deprived of early education due to economic constraints.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards
• Launched By: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Target Group: Children of manual scavengers, waste pickers, tanners, flayers
• Scholarship Type: Pre-Matric (Class 1 to 10)
• Mode of Disbursal: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Application Mode: Online via State/UT portals
Benefits
Scholarship Rates
| Category | Classes | Amount (per month for 10 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Day Scholars | Class 1 to 10 | ₹110 |
| Hostellers | Class 3 to 10 | ₹700 |
Ad-Hoc Grant (Annual)
• Day Scholars: ₹750 per annum
• Hostellers: ₹1,000 per annum
Special Allowances for Students with Disabilities
• Reader Allowance: ₹100/month (Blind students)
• Transport Allowance: ₹50/month (Non-hosteller disabled students)
• Escort Allowance: ₹50/month (Severely handicapped day scholars)
• Special Helper Pay: ₹100/month (Hostel employee assisting orthopedically handicapped students)
• Extra Coaching: ₹100/month (Mentally ill/retarded students in Classes III to X)
Eligibility Criteria
Targeted Parent Occupations
• Tanners & Flayers
• Waste Pickers
• Manual Scavengers (as per Manual Scavengers Act, 2013)
• Hazardous Cleaning Workers (as per the Act’s Section 2(I)(d))
Additional Conditions
• The child must be enrolled in a recognized school from Class 1 to 10
• No employment or domestic work should be taken up during schooling
• The scholarship will be discontinued if the student fails promotion or violates discipline
• Cannot receive benefits from any other pre-matric scholarship scheme
• Students should not migrate between institutions unless approved under special circumstances
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
Online Application (through State/UT Portals)
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The scheme will be advertised by State Governments through local media
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Application forms will be issued and submitted via the respective school authorities
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Schools must upload applications online to the scholarship portal
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The State/UT department will review, approve, and process the scholarship
Renewal Process
Scholarships are renewable every year if the student secures annual promotion and maintains discipline and attendance
Documents Required
• Passport-sized photograph
• Aadhaar Card (optional/mandatory as per guidelines)
• Bank Account details (linked to Aadhaar, if applicable)
• Birth Certificate
• Bonafide Certificate from school
• Educational Records / Marksheet
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Verification Certificate from the District Social Welfare Officer or designated authority confirming the parent’s occupation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What role do schools play in assisting students with scholarship applications?
Schools are expected to provide full support to students in submitting their scholarship applications and coordinating with the State Government and NSKFDC. - How is the scheme announced, and how can students apply for it?
The scheme is announced by the State Government/Union Territory Administration through advertisements in newspapers, and application forms are supplied by the concerned department. The application process is a combination of online and hard copy submissions. - Can you explain the duration and course of studies covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship applies to students in class I or subsequent classes for day scholars and class III or subsequent classes for hostellers. It terminates at the end of class X, covering a ten-month academic year. - How is the scholarship disbursed?
The scholarship amount is paid from the date of joining to the date of leaving school, excluding vacation periods, and is typically disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in the student’s bank account. - What qualifies as a disability for this scholarship?
Disabilities are defined by the Persons with Disabilities Act and include conditions like blindness, low-vision, leprosy-cured, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental retardation, and mental illness. - Are there additional provisions for students with disabilities?
Yes, there are allowances and benefits for students with disabilities, including reader allowances and transport allowances. - What are the financial benefits for day scholars and hostellers under this scheme?
Day scholars in classes 1st to 10th receive ₹110 per month for ten months, while hostellers in classes 3rd to 10th receive ₹700 per month for ten months, along with ad-hoc grants. - Can a student benefit from multiple pre-matric scholarship schemes?
No, students benefiting from this scheme cannot avail of benefits under any other pre-matric scholarship scheme. - Are there any conditions regarding student migration between institutions?
Migration is generally not allowed during the academic year except under exceptional circumstances and in the interest of the student’s academic career. - What happens if a student fails to secure annual promotion?
If a student fails to secure annual promotion, their scholarship may be discontinued unless there are valid reasons certified by the Head of the Institution. - Are students allowed to work during their studies if they receive this scholarship?
No, students cannot take up employment or assist their parents in such work during their studies. - Can children who are adopted by those engaged in these occupations also receive the scholarship?
Yes, adopted children can be eligible, but there are specific conditions and a waiting period. - Which categories of occupations are eligible for this scholarship?
The eligible occupations include manual scavengers, tanners, flayers, and waste pickers. - What is the history and purpose of the Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme for children of those in unclean occupations?
The scheme has been in place since 1977-78, with the objective of providing financial assistance to children of individuals engaged in certain unclean occupations to pursue pre-matric education.
Sources and References
• Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment – Government of India
• Guidelines
• MoSJE Compendium of Schemes