Shikshashree Scheme: West Bengal govt Support SC Students

Shikshashree Scheme: West Bengal govt Support SC Students. West Bengal Launches ‘Shikshashree’ Scheme to Support SC Students in Classes V-VIII.

Shikshashree Scheme: West Bengal govt Support SC Students

The Government of West Bengal has announced a new initiative aimed at providing better support to Scheduled Caste (SC) students studying in classes V to VIII. The scheme, named Shikshashree, will replace the existing book and maintenance grants that were earlier given to day-scholar SC students.

These grants, which had been available for many years, were found to be insufficient and inefficient in meeting the needs of the students.

The new scheme is expected to streamline the assistance process, making it more transparent, efficient, and impactful.

Eligibility: Shikshashree Scheme

Under the previous system, SC students in classes V-VIII received two forms of grants: one for books and the other for maintenance. While these grants were designed to assist students financially, the amounts provided were too small to significantly support their education. Moreover, the selection process for eligible students and the distribution of the funds were often complicated and time-consuming. As a result, many students found it difficult to benefit from the schemes as intended.

1. The students should belong to Scheduled Caste.
2. Students of classes V-VIII are eligible for the scheme.
3. The annual family income of the student should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakhs.
4. Only day scholars belonging to West Bengal can apply for this scholarship.
5. The applicant should be a regular full-time student reading in a Government School/Government-aided School and Govt. recognized schools in West Bengal.
6. The award once made will continue subject to subsequent application of the student up to class VIII and good conduct and attendance and otherwise being eligible.
7. The applicant should not get any other scholarship or stipend in any form for the same period. In case it is detected that the incumbent has drawn any amount of similar character from any other source this scholarship has to be refunded.
8. The applicant should be a holder of a bank account in a nationalized bank with a core banking facility.
9. The Scholarships for studying in any class will be available for only one year. If a student has to repeat a class, he/she would not get a scholarship for that class for a second year. However, if he or she is promoted to the next class subsequently he/she will enjoy the benefit provided the incumbent applicant is otherwise eligible.

The Shikshashree scheme has been introduced to address these issues and ensure that SC students receive the support they need to succeed in their studies. By merging the book grant and maintenance grant into a single, more efficient program, the state government aims to provide a comprehensive solution to the financial challenges faced by SC students in the pre-matric stage of their education. The scheme will benefit day-scholar students from classes V to VIII, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic progress.

The Shikshashree scheme is designed to cater to SC students enrolled in any Government, Government-aided, or Government-recognized schools across West Bengal. It will provide a single, consolidated financial assistance package that will be more beneficial and easier to access. The scheme aims to reduce dropout rates, especially among girl students, by addressing the financial hurdles that may cause students to leave school prematurely.

Goal: Shikshashree Scheme: West Bengal govt

The primary goal of the Shikshashree scheme is to improve the participation of SC students in the education system at the pre-matric level. This is especially important in rural areas where financial difficulties are often a significant barrier to education. With the introduction of this new scheme, the government hopes to ensure that more students, especially girls, can continue their studies without the fear of financial constraints.

One of the major advantages of the Shikshashree scheme is that it simplifies the process for both students and educational institutions. Unlike the previous system, which involved multiple steps for applying for different grants, the new scheme combines the two forms of assistance into one streamlined process. This will save time and reduce confusion for students and school administrators alike.

The scheme also promises greater transparency in the selection and disbursement process. In the past, there were concerns that the distribution of funds was not always fair, and some deserving students were left out. With the new system, the selection criteria and disbursement process will be more transparent, ensuring that financial assistance reaches the students who need it the most.

The Shikshashree scheme is expected to have a significant impact on the education of SC students in West Bengal. By providing better financial support, the government hopes to reduce the number of students dropping out of school, particularly among girls. Research has shown that girls are often more likely to leave school early due to financial pressures, and the new scheme is specifically aimed at addressing this issue.

The scheme is also expected to help improve the overall educational outcomes for SC students. By ensuring that students have access to the necessary resources, such as books and other learning materials, the government hopes to create a more supportive environment for these students. This, in turn, could lead to improved academic performance and better opportunities for future success.

Benefits: Shikshashree Scheme

In addition to the immediate benefits, the Shikshashree scheme is also a step toward achieving greater social equity in the education sector. By providing targeted financial assistance to SC students, the government is helping to level the playing field and ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed in their studies.

1. Under this scheme, eligible students shall be provided financial assistance through Bank Account only:

Class	Rate (Per Annum)
V	₹750/-
VI	₹750/-
VII	₹750/-
VIII	₹800/-

2. To improve participation of students in Pre-matric stages and minimize the incidence of drop-out especially in the case of girl students.

As the Shikshashree scheme is rolled out, it will be closely monitored to ensure that it achieves its goals of improving student participation and reducing dropouts. The success of the scheme will depend on its implementation, and the government has assured that efforts will be made to ensure that the scheme runs smoothly and reaches those who need it most.

Application Process

1. The candidate needs to visit the Backward Classes Welfare Department & Tribal Development Department, West Bengal official website: https://oasis.gov.in/
2. The candidate can now log in by providing the following detail
3. Choose User Type
4. Choose the District
5. Choose Sub-Division
6. Then choose Block/Municipality
7. Next, choose the School
8. Enter User ID and Password
9. Now login, by clicking on the Login Button
10. Then you will be redirected to the Dashboard
11. On the left side, you can see the Application, click on it
12. Then you can see a fresh Sikshashree Application Form, click on it
13. Fill the application form and click on Submit.

The launch of the Shikshashree scheme marks a significant step forward in supporting SC students in West Bengal. By combining the book grant and maintenance grant into a single, more efficient program, the government is addressing the shortcomings of the previous system.

This will not only reduce the financial burden on students but also ensure that more SC students can continue their education without interruption.

The scheme’s focus on transparency and efficiency is expected to bring about positive changes in the educational experience of SC students, particularly those in rural areas, and help them achieve better academic outcomes.

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