Message to Guardians

Know your eligibility

The West Bengal Government offers several schemes and initiatives aimed at supporting school students. These schemes focus on various aspects such as financial aid, scholarships, infrastructure improvement, and overall academic development. Here are some of the key government schemes for secondary school students in West Bengal:

1. Kanyashree Prakalpa

• Objective: This scheme is aimed at empowering girls by providing them with financial support to continue their education and delay early marriage.
• Eligibility: Girls aged 13 to 18, studying in secondary or higher secondary school.
• Benefits:
             o A one-time grant of ₹25,000 upon reaching 18 years of age if they remain unmarried and continue education.
             o An annual incentive of ₹500 for girls studying in classes 8 to 12.

2. Sabooj Sathi Prakalpa

Objective: The primary goal of the Sabooj Sathi scheme is to:
• Promote education by addressing the transportation challenges faced by students in remote and rural areas.
• Reduce drop-out rates in schools by making it easier for students to travel to school.
Eligibility: Students of Class 9 and 10: The scheme primarily targets students in secondary education, particularly those studying in government and government-aided schools.
Benefits: Free Bicycles: Eligible students receive a free bicycle, which is intended to help them commute to and from school more easily.

3. Sikshashree Scheme

• Objective: This scheme provides financial assistance to students from economically disadvantaged families, ensuring that they are able to continue their education.
• Eligibility: Students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), studying in class 5 to class 12.
• Benefits: Monthly scholarships based on the class of study. The amount varies depending on the class level.

4. Bikash Bhavan Scholarship Scheme

• Objective: This scheme supports meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Eligibility: Students from lower-income families who have performed well academically.
• Benefits: o Scholarship amounts to assist with school expenses and higher education.

5. West Bengal Minority Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC) Scholarships

• Objective: To support students from minority communities, particularly those who need financial assistance for their education.
• Eligibility: Minority students (Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi, etc.), pursuing secondary or higher secondary education.
• Benefits: o Scholarships and financial aid for school fees and educational materials.

6. Pre-Matric Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC Students

• Objective: This scheme is designed to help students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to complete their education without financial constraints.
• Eligibility: SC, ST, and OBC students studying from class 9 to class 10.
• Benefits: o Financial assistance for tuition fees, books, and other necessary school supplies.

7. Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (Vidyasree)

• Objective: This scholarship is provided to help economically weak but meritorious students to continue their education after secondary school.
• Eligibility: Students who have passed the Madhyamik examination (class 10) and are pursuing higher education.
• Benefits: o Scholarships for studies in professional courses, engineering, medical studies, etc.

8. Educational Loan Subsidy Scheme

• Objective: This scheme helps students from economically backward families to access loans for further education, with the government subsidizing part of the interest rate.
• Eligibility: : Students seeking higher education after passing secondary exams.
• Benefits: o Subsidized interest rates for educational loans to students from economically weaker sections.

9. Free Textbook Distribution Scheme

• Objective: To ensure that every student has access to free textbooks, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Eligibility: Students from classes 1 to 12.
• Benefits: o Free distribution of textbooks for secondary school students.

10. Swasthya Sathi Scheme

• Objective: While primarily a health insurance scheme, Swasthya Sathi provides health coverage to families of students.
• Eligibility: Families of students in government schools and other registered educational institutions.
• Benefits: o Health coverage for students' families, ensuring financial support in case of illness.

11. Rupashree Prakalpa

• Objective: This scheme is focused on providing financial assistance to families in need when a girl child is about to marry. While the focus is on the welfare of girls, it indirectly supports education by preventing early marriage and encouraging continued schooling.
• Eligibility: Families of girls aged 18 or above, who have not yet married.
• Benefits: o Financial assistance of ₹25,000 per eligible girl.

12. Shiksha Sathi Scheme

• Objective: To promote education in rural and semi-rural areas and bridge the gap in education for students in these regions.
• Eligibility: Students residing in rural areas, primarily from lower-income families.
• Benefits: o Scholarships and support for school-related expenses.

13. State Government’s Scholarship for Physically Challenged Students

• Objective: This is a welfare scheme for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive financial support to pursue education.
• Eligibility: Students with physical disabilities pursuing secondary education.
• Benefits: o Financial assistance to cover tuition fees, examination fees, and other academic costs.

14. Nabanna Scholarship Scheme

• Objective: This is a government initiative to provide scholarships for students excelling in academics, and for students with significant achievements in the fields of sports, arts, and culture.
• Eligibility: Meritorious students in both academics and extracurricular fields.
• Benefits: o Financial aid in the form of scholarships and prizes.

How to Apply for These Schemes:

Applications for these schemes are typically available through the official West Bengal Government websites, respective school authorities, or local education offices. Often, students need to submit necessary documents such as family income certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), and academic records to be eligible.