Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25 - Eligibility, Application, Awards

The Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25 is a government initiative designed to provide financial aid to Scheduled Caste (SC) students residing in the State of West Bengal. It plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusive education in West Bengal. This scholarship aims to support economically disadvantaged SC and ST students pursuing their studies in Class 5 to 8, helping them overcome financial obstacles and achieve academic success. The scholarship encourages students to keep pursuing their studies in school, thus reducing dropout rates and promoting inclusive education.

By offering financial assistance at the elementary level, the Shikshashree Scholarship provides immediate financial relief and contributes to long-term social upliftment by encouraging SC and ST students to pursue their education without facing financial hindrance.

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: A Brief Overview!

The “Shikshashree Scheme” was initiated by the Government of West Bengal in 2014-15 by combining the old schemes for ‘Book Grants’ and ‘Maintenance Grants’. This was intended to provide financial help to students hailing from the Scheduled Caste categories pursuing their studies in Class V to VIII.

Earlier, they received two major types of assistance:

Book grant
Maintenance grant

However, the grant was very small and the process of selecting and awarding students was cumbersome. To fix these issues and provide better support to SC and ST students pursuing their studies in Class V to VIII in government, government-aided, and government-recognised schools in West Bengal, a new scheme called the “Shikshashree Scheme” was initiated.

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Key Features

Financial Benefits:

For students enrolled in Class V to VIII, a direct financial grant of ₹800 per academic year is provided.
The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and quick disbursement.

Target Group:

Day scholars/students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.
The scheme applies only to students who are residents of West Bengal and enrolled in government-recognised schools.

Scholarship Duration:

The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis and must be renewed each year based on the student’s performance and eligibility.

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Shikshashree Scholarship in 2024-25, the applicants must meet the following requirements:

For SC Students:

The student must belong to the Scheduled Caste and provide proper certification as mentioned in the application form.
The student’s annual family income should not be more than ₹2.5 lakh, with an income certificate obtained from the appropriate authority as stated in the form.
Only the day scholars pursuing studies in the government-recognised schools in West Bengal are eligible for this scholarship.
The student must be enrolled full-time in a government school, a government-aided school, or a government-recognized school in West Bengal.
The scholarship will continue up to Class VIII as long as the student applies each year, maintains good behaviour and attendance, and meets other eligibility criteria.
The student should not receive any other scholarship or stipend during the same period. If found to be receiving similar financial aid from another source, the scholarship must be returned.
The student must have a bank account in a nationalised bank with core banking facilities.
The scholarship is only available for one year per class. If a student repeats a class, they will not receive the scholarship again for that class, but they will be eligible for the next class if they meet all the requirements.

For ST Students:

The student must belong to the Scheduled Tribe category and have proper certification as stated in the application form.
The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh, and an income certificate obtained from the appropriate authority must be provided.
Only the day scholars pursuing studies in the government-recognised schools in West Bengal are eligible for this scholarship.
The applicants must be a full-time regular student enrolled in a government school, government-aided school, or government-recognised school in West Bengal.
Once awarded, the scholarship will continue until Class VIII, provided the student reapplies, maintains good behaviour, and ensures regular attendance.
The student should not receive any other scholarship or stipend for the same period. If found to be receiving similar financial aid from another source, the scholarship must be returned.
The student must have a bank account in a nationalised bank with core banking services.
The scholarship is available for only one year per class. If the student repeats a class, they won’t receive the scholarship for that class again. However, if promoted to the next class, they can receive the scholarship, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Awards

Under this scheme, the eligible students will receive financial help directly in their bank accounts. The scholarship amounts for both the categories are as follows:

For SC Students:

Class 5 to 7 – ₹750 per year
Class 8 – ₹800 per year

For ST Students:

Classes 5 to 8 – ₹500 per year

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Required Documents

In order to apply for the Shikshashree Scholarship, the applicants need to provide the following documents:

Caste Certificate: A valid SC/ST caste certificate issued by the competent authority of West Bengal.
Income Certificate: A family income certificate proving that the annual household income does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh. Certificate of income obtained from MP/MLA/Council/Pradhan/Member of Zilla Parishad/Chairman/Government Officer should be submitted along with the application.
Address Proof: A valid address proof to prove the domiciled status of the applicant.
Proof of Admission: A certificate or letter from the school indicating that the student is currently enrolled in Class 5, 6, 7 or 8.
Aadhaar Card: The student’s Aadhaar card or a certificate proving their residential status in West Bengal.
Bank Account Details: A copy of the student’s or parent’s bank passbook to facilitate the transfer of the scholarship amount.
A recent passport size photograph of the applicant should be provided.

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Application Process

The application process for the Shikshashree Scholarship is primarily conducted offline. A step-by-step guide to applying for the scholarship is as under:

1. Connecting with School Administration

The eligible students are required to contact the headmaster or the school’s administrative office to obtain the Shikshashree Scholarship application form. They can also visit the official portal and click on the ‘Scholarship Application for Class V-VIII Students’ option.

They can download the Sikshashree application form for this scholarship The application form is available in both Bengali and English format.
After clicking on the Scholarship Application for class V-VIII Students option, the login page appears.
Select the user type from the list with options State, District, Sub-division Block/Municipality and School level.
Enter your user ID and password, fill in the CAPTCHA code and click on the login tab.

2. Completing the Application Form

Click on the ‘Fresh application’ and fill in the details and submit the form.

The student or their guardian opting for offline mode must fill in the required information in the form with the necessary personal, academic, and bank details.

3. Responsibility of the School

The school must ensure that the students have their bank accounts opened.
The Nodal Officer should assist students in completing their applications.

4. Attachment of Required Documents

The completed application form must be accompanied by the required documents, including the caste certificate, income certificate, proof of admission, and bank account details.

5. Submission of Application

Once the form is completed and signed, submit it to the school for verification. The school authorities will review the application and forward it to the concerned district authority.

6. Collecting and Reviewing Applications:

The schools will collect applications, review them with the involvement of the Nodal Officer, and compile them in the required format.
The compiled data will be sent to the Block office, but individual applications will stay at the school until needed.
Block Development Officers will assign specific ‘Inspectors and Extension Officers’ to manage these tasks for each school.
These officers will be named “Nodal Officer Sikshashree (School Name)” and their specific responsibilities will be clearly outlined.

7. Verification Process

The head of the school and the Nodal Officer Sikshashree will certify the compiled sheet ensuring that all eligible students have been included, and their birthdates match with the school records.
This compilation sheet will be sent to the block office for further review.

8. Scholarship Approval

The Block office will verify 10% of the cases as a sample and issue ‘Entitlement Cards’ to students, which will be used for future application.
The Block office will forward the database to the PO-cum-DWO, who will transfer the funds directly to students’ bank accounts via National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT), according to the budget. This data will also be sent to the state at the end of the financial year.

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Important Deadlines

The application deadline for the Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25 is typically announced at the start of the academic year. The application window usually opens in the months of October or November, but it’s advisable to contact your school early for exact dates and details.

Aikyashree Scholarship: Empowering Minority Students in West Bengal

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Documents for Renewal

The scholarship is renewable for next academic year, provided that the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria. The applicants for renewal need to submit the following documents:

Previous Year’s Report Card: A marksheet from the previous academic year showing satisfactory academic performance.
Updated Income Certificate: To confirm that the family’s income continues to fall within the prescribed limit.
Updated Bank Account Information: If there are any changes involved in the bank account details.

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Benefits and Impacts

The Shikshashree Scholarship has far-reaching benefits meant for the SC/ST community in West Bengal:

Improved Attendance:

The financial assistance provided through this scheme helps reduce absenteeism and encourages students to complete their basic education.

Reduction in Dropout Rates:

By alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with education, the scholarship contributes to lower dropout rates among the SC and ST students.

Promoting Social Inclusion:

The scholarship serves as a tool for social empowerment by ensuring that the students from marginalised communities continue pursuing their education.

Bridge to Higher Education:

The scholarship paves the way for students to eventually pursue higher education by keeping them engaged academically.

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Challenges and Suggestions for Improvement

While the Shikshashree Scholarship is a well-intentioned scheme, some challenges remain and they need to be addressed. They are as follows:

1. Awareness and Outreach:

Many eligible students and parents are not fully aware of the scholarship and its benefits. Greater outreach efforts are needed, especially in rural and tribal areas.

2. Timely Disbursement:

While the DBT system ensures transparency, delays in the disbursement of funds have been reported. Streamlining the process and reducing bureaucratic hurdles could improve the efficiency.

3. Digital Infrastructure:

Though the application process is primarily offline, there could be efforts to make the process more accessible through online platforms, especially in urban areas where digital penetration is higher.

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Do’s and Don’ts

Bengali

করণীয় ও বর্জনীয়

আবেদনপত্রের নির্ধারিত স্থানে আপনার নিজের জাতি শংসাপত্রের নম্বরটি লিখতে হবে।
অনুগ্রহ করে আপনার নিজের সঠিক আধার নম্বর , লিঙ্গ এবং জন্ম তারিখ , আবেদন পত্রের নির্দিষ্ট স্থানে লিখুন। জাতি শংসাপত্রের নাম ও আধারের নাম একই হতে হবে।
পোস্ট ম্যাট্রিক স্কলারশিপের ক্ষেত্রে সাবধানে কোর্স এবং প্রতিষ্ঠান নির্বাচন করুন, কোনো অমিলের ফলে আবেদন প্রত্যাখ্যান হতে পারে এবং কোনো ভুল তথ্য দিয়ে স্কলারশিপ পেলে টাকা পুনরুদ্ধার করা যেতে পারে এবং মিথ্যা তথ্য দিয়ে স্কলারশিপ পেলে আইনি ব্যবস্থা নেওয়া হতে পারে।
সক্রিয় মোবাইল নম্বর যা আপনার নিজের বা যেটিতে আপনার অধিকারে আছে, সেই মোবাইল নম্বর দিয়ে আবেদন করুন। আপনার কোর্স শেষ না হওয়া পর্যন্ত আপনাকে এটি সংরক্ষণ করতে হবে।
একজন প্রার্থীর থেকে শুধুমাত্র একটি আবেদন গ্রহণ করা হয়, একাধিক আবেদনের ফলে আবেদন প্রত্যাখ্যান হতে পারে।
আপনার ব্যাঙ্ক অ্যাকাউন্ট অবশ্যই আধার সিড এবং ডিবিটি সক্রিয় হতে হবে।
বৃত্তির অর্থ আপনার নিজের আধার যুক্ত ব্যাঙ্ক অ্যাকাউন্টে জমা হবে।
বাংলার শিক্ষা পোর্টালের নামের সাথে আধারের নাম মিলতে হবে। অন্যথায় আপনার প্রতিষ্ঠানের সাথে যোগাযোগ করুন।

প্রয়োজনীয় কাগজপত্র

আয়ের শংসাপত্র
জন্ম তারিখের প্রমাণ ( আধার থেকে অনলাইন যাচাই করা হবে )
জাতিগত শংসাপত্রের অনুলিপি ( অস্কার পোর্টাল থেকে অনলাইন যাচাই করা হবে )
শেষ পরীক্ষায় উত্তীর্ণ হওয়ার মার্কশিটের অনুলিপি

এই নথিগুলি যাচাইয়ের জন্য আবেদনের হার্ড কপি সহ প্রযোজ্য ব্লক অফিস/সাব-ডিভিশন অফিস/ডিডব্লিউও কলকাতার অফিসে জমা দিতে হবে।

English

Enter your own ‘Caste Certificate Number’ in the specified section of the application form.
Make sure to enter your Aadhaar number, Date of Birth, and Gender correctly in the form, exactly as they appear in your Aadhaar. The name on ‘Caste Certificate’ must match the name on your Aadhaar.
Select your course and institution for Post-Matric Scholarships carefully, as any mistakes can lead to the rejection of your application. Incorrect claims can also lead to the recovery of funds and possible legal action.
Provide an active mobile number, either your own or one you have access to, in the application form. Keep this number active until you complete your course.
Only one application per candidate is allowed. Submitting multiple applications may result in rejection.
Your bank account must be linked to your Aadhaar and made DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) enabled.
The scholarship amount will be credited to your last Aadhaar-linked bank account.
The name on the ‘Banglar Shiksha Portal’ should match with the name in your Aadhaar. If not, connect with your institution to get this rectified.

Required Documents:

Income certificate
Proof of Date of Birth (verified online through Aadhaar)
Caste Certificate (verified online through the Oscar Portal)
Copy of the marksheet of your last examination passed

These documents, along with the hard copy of the application, must be submitted to the Block Office, Sub-Division Office, or DWO Kolkata’s office depending on your location for verification.

West Bengal Scholarship – Eligibility, Application Process, Dates, Awards

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Official Contact Details

Backward Classes Welfare Department

DJ-4, Sector-II, Administrative Building, SDO, Bidhannagar, 4th Floor, Salt Lake, Kolkata- 700 091.

Email – mic.bcwd@gmail.com

Website – http://www.anagrasarkarkalyan.gov.in

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: Important Links

Shikshashree Scholarship 2024-25: FAQs

What is the Sikshashree Scholarship?

The Sikshashree Scholarship is a financial aid scheme provided by the Government of West Bengal to support economically weaker students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) who are pursuing post-matric education in recognised government institutions.

Who is eligible for the Sikshashree Scholarship 2024-25?

Answer – The students belonging to SC/ST categories and pursuing their studies in Class V to VIII in government or government-aided schools are eligible. Their family’s annual income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.

What are the documents required for the Sikshashree Scholarship application?

The required documents include the following:

Aadhaar Card
Caste Certificate (verified online through Oscar portal)
Proof of Date of Birth
Income Certificate
Recent Marksheet
Bank Account Details

How much financial assistance is provided under the Sikshashree Scholarship?

For the students enrolled in Class V to VIII, a fixed amount of ₹800 per year is provided as financial assistance.

Is there an income limit for applying for the Sikshashree Scholarship?

Yes, the family’s annual income must not exceed INR 2.5 lakhs for students to be eligible for the scholarship.

How do I check the status of my Sikshashree Scholarship application?

You can check the status of your application by logging into the official scholarship portal using your application ID and following the “Track Application” section.

Can I edit my Sikshashree Scholarship application after submission?

No, once the application is submitted, you cannot make any changes. Ensure all details are correct before final submission.

What happens if I submit multiple applications simultaneously?

Only one application per student is accepted. Submitting multiple applications may result in all your applications getting rejected.

When will the scholarship amount be credited?

The scholarship amount will be credited directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account after the application is verified and approved. The timeline may vary based on the verification process.

Do I need an Aadhaar-linked bank account to receive the scholarship?

Yes, your bank account must be linked with Aadhaar and must be DBT-enabled to receive the scholarship amount.

What should I do if my name in the Aadhaar and the school records do not match?

If the name on your Aadhaar card does not match your school records, you should contact your school authorities to get the necessary corrections made. The name in both records must be the same.

What is the last date to apply for the Sikshashree Scholarship 2024-25?

The last date to apply will be announced by the state government. The application window usually opens in the months of October/November or even before. Keep an eye on the official portal for specific dates.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to apply for the scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. It’s important to submit your application before the last date.

Is there any fee applicable for the Sikshashree Scholarship?

No, there is no application fee involved at any stage offor the Sikshashree Scholarship. The entire application process is free of charge.

Are private school students eligible for the Sikshashree Scholarship?

No, the scholarship is only available for students pursuing studies in government or government-aided schools.

How is the scholarship amount disbursed?

The scholarship amount is directly transferred to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) using Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Oasis Scholarship – A Dedicated Scholarship Portal for West Bengal Students, New Rule for SC Students