The Uchch Shiksha Puraskar Yojana, initiated in 2012-13 by the Chhattisgarh State Handloom Development and Marketing Cooperative Union Limited, Raipur, is designed to support the higher education aspirations of students belonging to weaver families. This scheme offers a financial incentive of ₹20,000 to students who secure admission in the first year of professional courses such as Engineering, Medical, CA, or MBA in government colleges.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Uchch Shiksha Puraskar Yojana
• Launched By: Chhattisgarh State Handloom Development and Marketing Cooperative Union Ltd., Raipur
• Target Group: Students from families of weavers (registered with Primary Weaver Cooperative Societies)
• Benefit Amount: ₹20,000 (one-time for the first year only)
• Eligible Courses: Engineering, Medical, CA, MBA (in government colleges only)
• Mode of Application: Offline through Primary Weaver Cooperative Society
Benefits
• ₹20,000 one-time financial incentive awarded to eligible students
• Encourages weaver families’ children to pursue higher education
• Promotes rural educational upliftment and awareness in the handloom sector
• Valid only for the first academic year of admission in professional courses
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicant must be a resident of Chhattisgarh
• Applicant must belong to a weaver family, where either father or mother is a registered member of a Primary Weaver Cooperative Society affiliated with the State Handloom Union
• Student must have secured admission in the first year of Engineering/Medical/CA/MBA in a government college
• More than 50% of the parent’s income must come from weaving-related activities
• Family definition includes husband, wife, and their children only
Not Eligible: Students admitted to private colleges, or whose parents are not members of any registered weaver cooperative society
Application Process
Offline Submission Steps
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Download or collect the application form in the prescribed format
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Fill in all mandatory fields, paste your passport-sized photograph, and self-attest the documents
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Submit the application to your Primary Weaver Cooperative Society
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The society will verify membership and forward it to the District Handloom Office
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A Selection Committee, including the Deputy/Assistant Director of Handlooms and society representatives, will review and verify applications
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Final selection is made by the Managing Director, who authorizes disbursement of funds
Documents Required
• Passport-size Photograph of the applicant
• Verified photocopy of the marksheet of the qualifying board exam
• Admission fee receipt from the government college
• Verification letter from the Primary Weaver Cooperative Society
• Declaration of any past incentive awards (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- I am a student from a weaver family seeking higher education support. How much financial incentive can I receive through this scheme?
You can receive a financial incentive of ₹20,000/- as an encouragement award. This amount is provided only for the first year of your course after you submit the verified photocopy of your admission fee receipt along with the prescribed application form. - When was this educational incentive scheme for weaver families launched and who implements it?
The scheme was launched in 2012-13 and is implemented by the Chhattisgarh State Handloom Development and Marketing Cooperative Union Limited, Raipur. It aims to encourage and motivate talented students from weaver families to pursue higher education. - I want to apply for the higher education incentive. What professional courses are covered under this scheme?
The scheme covers professional courses including Engineering, Medical, Chartered Accountancy (CA), and Master of Business Administration (MBA). You must secure admission in the first year of any of these courses in a government college to be eligible. - My father is a weaver. Am I eligible for the education award if I get admission to a private college for engineering?
No, you are not eligible. The scheme specifically mentions that you must secure admission in a government college. Private college admissions are not covered under this scheme regardless of the course you’re pursuing. - Is the financial assistance provided for the entire duration of my professional course or just for a specific period?
The financial assistance is provided only for the first year of your course. The scheme does not mention any extension or renewal of the incentive for subsequent years of your professional course. - My mother is a member of a weaver cooperative society. Does this make me eligible for the higher education incentive?
Yes, you are eligible if your mother is a regular member of a weaver cooperative society that is affiliated to the State Handloom Union, Raipur. The scheme specifically mentions that the student’s mother or father must be a regular member. - My uncle is a member of a weaver cooperative society. As his nephew, am I eligible to apply for the higher education incentive?
No, you are not eligible. The scheme defines a weaver family specifically as husband, wife, and their children. As a nephew, you do not fall under this definition, so you cannot apply for the incentive. - Who decides whether I am eligible for the higher education incentive after I submit my application?
A selection committee consisting of the Deputy/Assistant Director of the District Handloom Office and a nominated President/Representative of a weaver society in your district will review your application. This committee verifies applications and selects eligible students. - My father earns income from weaving and other agricultural activities. Am I still eligible for the higher education incentive?
You are eligible only if more than 50% of your father’s income comes from weaving. The document specifically mentions that the parent’s income should be more than 50% from weaving to qualify for this incentive. - Where should I submit my completed application form for the higher education incentive program?
You should submit your completed application form to the concerned Primary Weaver Cooperative Society where your parent is a member. The society will verify your details, complete their formalities, and add their remarks before forwarding it. - What information do I need to provide about my educational background in the application?
You need to provide details about the board examination you passed, the total marks/percentage you obtained, and the name of the school from which you passed the examination. You must also attach a verified photocopy of your marksheet. - I am from a weaver family but my parents are not members of any cooperative society. Can I still apply for the incentive?
The scheme requires that your mother/father must be a regular member of a weaver cooperative society that is affiliated with the State Handloom Union, Raipur to be eligible. - What action will the District Handloom Office take after receiving my application?
The District Handloom Office will compile all received applications and organize a selection committee meeting. The committee will review your application, verify the details, and if found eligible, they will recommend your name with Form-2 to the Managing Director. - Do I need to submit my actual marksheet and fee receipt or will photocopies suffice?
You need to submit verified photocopies, not the originals. The scheme specifically mentions that you must submit a verified photocopy of your marksheet and admission fee receipt along with the application form.