This is one of the significant moves by the Maharashtra government that has transformed the status of economically weak students. The specific scheme promises to allow every student avail higher education by providing them not only financial assistance but also accommodation allowance for staying in locations other than their hometowns. Under the scheme, as much as ₹60,000 a year can be availed by students for education without having any financial worries.
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Objectives of Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Yojana
- The prime objectives of the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Yojana are:
- It provides with food, accommodation, and funds for education.
- They encouraged the economically weak students to go for higher studies.
- Able to overcome financial barriers by students from marginalized groups. Give independence and self-reliability to the student.
Key features of Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Yojana
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Aid | Up to ₹60,000 annually |
| Target Beneficiaries | SC, ST, OBC, and other minority groups |
| Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) | Funds directly credited to students’ bank accounts |
| Accommodation Support | Assistance for housing and subsistence costs |
| Coverage Duration | Until completion of the course |
Eligibility criteria
Only the eligibility criteria to avail the benefits of Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Yojana for a student are:
- Domicile: He or she must be a domicile of Maharashtra.
- Community: The applicant belongs to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), or other minority groups.
- Qualification in Education: Standard 10 or 12 passed at minimum.
- Bank Account: Aadhaar-linked bank account is also compulsory.
- Age Limit: Students above 28 years are not eligible to apply.
Documents Required
At the time of applying, the applicants shall submit the following:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Bank Account Information
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Caste Certificate
- Revenue Certificate (Annual income less than ₹2.5 lakh)
- Domicile Certificate
- 10th and 12th Grade Mark Sheets
- Certificate of Bonafide
- Birth Certificate
Benefits of Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Yojana
- Financial Support: Education and maintenance, including fooding, lodging, and other educational needs, up to ₹60,000 per annum.
- Concessions to the weaker sections: SC, ST, OBC, and the minorities get the first preference.
- Accommodation Assistance: Support for students in acquiring accommodation in other cities to pursue higher education.
- Promotes Higher Education: Encourages students to continue education despite financial challenges.
Application Deadlines for 2024
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | January 1, 2024 |
| Application End Date | February 28, 2024 |
| Renewal Deadline | March 31, 2024 |
How to Apply for Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Yojana
About the scheme: To apply follow these steps
Registration Procedure
- Swayam Official Portal: https://swayam.mahaonline.gov.in.
- Click on the registration option on the main page.
- Enter details including Aadhar number, your name, date of birth, and mobile number.
- Set a password and complete the CAPTCHA verification.
- Preserve login information obtained during sign-up.
Online Application
- Log in using your credentials.
- Complete the application form with personal, educational, and financial data.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Verify the form, then send.
- Note the registration number and follow-up.
Renewal Process
Students apply to renew their application annually.
1. Log into the portal and click on Renewal.
2. Update all information changes and upload the updated forms when necessary.
3. File the renewal form.
Advantages Contributed by DBT
The Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Yojana is a scheme wherein all financial aid is directly credited to the Aadhar-linked bank account of students under Direct Benefit Transfer.
Courses Available Under the Scheme:
The program caters for students undertaking:
This includes
- Medical and Engineering Colleges
- ITI and Polytechnic institutes
- Competence-based courses
- Master’s Degrees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1Q. What is Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Yojana?
A: This scheme provides financial aid and accommodation support to Maharashtra’s students pursuing higher education.
2Q. Who can join this scheme?
A: SC, ST, OBC, or minority category students who are residents of Maharashtra and fulfill all other educational requirements as well as eligibility requirements.
3Q. How many grants are given?
A: Eligible students can get up to ₹60,000 annually.
4Q. How do I enroll in the course?
A: Forms to apply online are also available at the government portal.
5Q. Will my application be renewed?
A: Yes, students must renew their application every year to continue receiving benefits.
6Q. Which programs are included in this package?
A: The scheme also supports medical, engineering, ITI, and other skill-based courses or postgraduate courses.
7Q. Is Aadhar mandatory for application?
A: An Aadhar-linked bank account and mobile number is a pre-condition for DBT and its verification.
Conclusion
Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Yojana 2024 is a commendable initiative by the Maharashtra government, in which financial support along with accommodation facility is provided to students belonging to financially weaker sections. This facility encourages students to take education seriously and move forward without burdening their heads with any financial liability. It stimulates students and their family to apply in advance so that they don’t miss this option.