The Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Government of Puducherry, launched the Award of Pre-Matric Scholarship to Students Whose Parents Are Engaged in Unclean Occupations to uplift and empower students from marginalized communities. The scheme aims to promote education among children whose parents are involved in unclean occupations such as scavenging, flaying, or tanning, irrespective of caste or family income.
For the academic session 2025-26, the scheme continues to offer essential financial support to encourage school retention among these students.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Launched By: Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry
• Beneficiaries: Students from families engaged in unclean occupations
• Classes Covered: 1st to 10th Standard
• Scholarship Amount: ₹1,850 per annum
• Mode of Application: Offline
• Applicable Area: Union Territory of Puducherry
Benefits
• ₹1,850/- per annum financial assistance
• Direct support to encourage continuation of education from Class 1st to 10th
• Opportunity to enhance social mobility and education prospects for underprivileged families
Eligibility Criteria
• The applicant must be a student.
• The applicant must belong to a Scheduled Caste.
• The applicant must be studying from Class 1 to Class 10.
• The applicant must be a native/resident of Puducherry by birth or by continuous residence.
• Either or both parents must be engaged in unclean occupations such as scavenging, flaying, or tanning.
• No income limit restrictions are applicable.
Application Process
Offline Mode
-
Collect Application Form:
Visit the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department/Sub-Offices during office hours and collect the prescribed form. -
Fill the Form:
Complete all required fields and paste a passport-size photograph. -
Attach Documents:
Attach self-attested copies of the necessary documents. -
Submission:
Submit the filled application form along with documents to the concerned authority. -
Get Acknowledgment:
Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment slip mentioning the date, time, and submission ID.
Documents Required
• Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate (issued by the competent authority)
• Recent Passport-Size Photograph
• Aadhaar Card
• Bank Passbook (student’s or parent’s account)
• Certificate of Unclean Occupation (obtained from the employer of the parent)
• Educational Certificates (latest)
If Aadhaar Card is not available, submit Aadhaar Enrolment ID and any one of the following:
• Bank/Post Office Passbook with Photograph
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Ration Card
• Voter ID Card
• MGNREGA Job Card
• Kisan Photo Passbook
• Driving License
• Identity Certificate from a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar
• Any other official document as accepted by the Department
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How does the scheme contribute to societal improvement?
The “Award of Pre-matric Scholarship” scheme contributes to societal improvement by breaking barriers, providing financial aid, and encouraging education among the marginalized section engaged in unclean occupations. - What role does the employer’s certificate play in the application process?
The certificate of unclean occupation obtained from the employer by the parent is a crucial document verifying the engagement in scavenging, flaying, or tanning. - Are there any specific criteria for residency in the Union Territory of Puducherry?
Yes, applicants must be native residents of the Union Territory of Puducherry to qualify for the pre-matric scholarship. - Is the scheme limited to a specific income group?
No, the scheme does not consider the income of the applicant, ensuring inclusivity for all eligible students, irrespective of their financial background. - Can students from any class benefit from the scholarship?
Yes, students studying in Class 1st to Class 10th are eligible to avail the benefits of the pre-matric scholarship in Puducherry. - What financial assistance does the scheme provide annually?
The scheme offers ₹1850/- per annum as financial assistance to the eligible students in Puducherry. - Does the scheme consider the income and caste of the applicant for eligibility?
No, eligibility for the scholarship is irrespective of income and caste, focusing solely on the student’s background and parents’ engagement in unclean occupations. - Is There Any Compensation For The Delay In The Disbursal Of The Scheme Benefits?
The guidelines do not mention any provision for compensation in the event of delayed disbursement of scheme benefits. Applicants should note that compensation for delays is not part of the scheme’s framework. - Are there any specific provisions for Transgenders under this scheme?
No provisions for Transgenders are mentioned in the guidelines of this scheme. - Can Applicants From The Neighboring States/UTs Also Apply To This Scheme?
Unfortunately, this scheme is exclusively available to permanent residents of the Puducherry. Applicants from neighboring States/UTs, among others, are not eligible to apply. - Is there an application deadline for this scheme?
The scheme guidelines do not mention any opening date or closing date for applications. - Is Puducherry a State or a Union Territory?
Puducherry is a Union Territory of India.