Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards
Running since 1977–78, this scholarship provides monthly financial support to school students (Class 1–10) whose parents work in hazardous occupations like manual scavenging, tanning, or waste picking, with no income ceiling. Day scholars receive ₹110/month and hostellers receive ₹700/month for 10 months, plus an annual ad-hoc grant for books. Applications are submitted through the school to the state government's designated portal.
About This Scheme
Running since 1977–78, this scholarship provides monthly financial support to school students (Class 1–10) whose parents work in hazardous occupations like manual scavenging, tanning, or waste picking, with no income ceiling. Day scholars receive ₹110/month and hostellers receive ₹700/month for 10 months, plus an annual ad-hoc grant for books. Applications are submitted through the school to the state government's designated portal.
Full official description
Launched in the year 1977-78, the scheme "Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards" is a Scholarship Scheme by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to children whose parents/guardians belong to one of the following categories, to pursue Pre-Matric education: Tanners, Flayers, Waste Pickers and Persons who are either presently engaged in Manual Scavenging.
Benefits
- Day scholars (Class 1–10): ₹110/month for 10 months
- Hostellers (Class 3–10): ₹700/month for 10 months
- Annual ad-hoc grant: ₹750 for day scholars; ₹1,000 for hostellers
- Extra allowances for students with disabilities: reader allowance (₹100/month for blind), transport allowance (₹50/month), escort allowance (₹50/month), extra coaching (₹100/month for mentally disabled)
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Parent or guardian must be a manual scavenger, tanner/flayer, waste picker, or engaged in hazardous cleaning (as defined in the Manual Scavengers Act 2013)
- Day scholars eligible from Class 1 onwards
- Hostellers eligible from Class 3 onwards
- No family income ceiling — all qualifying children are eligible regardless of income
- Cannot simultaneously receive benefits under any other pre-matric scholarship scheme
How to Apply
Announcement of Scheme
The scheme will be announced by the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration well in time, by giving advertisements in the leading language newspapers local dailies and by using other suitable publicity media.
Supply of Application Forms
The concerned Department of the State Government/Union Territory administration will supply the application forms, which should be received back by that department along with the prescribed certificate, by the last date.
Identification of Target Group
- The State Government/ UT Administration will define the modalities and issue instructions to concerned agencies for the identification of the target group.
- The State Government will instruct the institutions to provide full support to students in submitting applications for scholarships.
- The applications along with supporting documents should be called online along with hard copies.
Submission of Application Forms
- The student should fill the application form and submit it to the School Authority.
- The school should upload the applications in the portal.
Renewal of Scholarship
The scholarship, once awarded, may be renewed during the next academic year by the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport Sized Photograph
- Aadhaar Card (Optional/Mandatory)
- Bank Details of the Aadhaar-linked Bank Account
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of Educational Qualification
- Bonafide Certificate from the School
- Birth Certificate
- A certificate from the District Social Welfare Officer/ Identified Officer of a Local Body/ Civic Agency/ Authority designated by the State Government, proving that that at least one parent of the applicant is currently engaged in the eligible occupations.