SDM holds meet to review Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme

Phagwara, August 28

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Phagwara, Jashanjit Singh, convened a meeting with representatives of educational institutions to discuss the Dr Ambedkar Post Matric Scholarship Scheme 2024-25. He provided instructions to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach eligible students without any issues at the grassroots level.

SDM Jashanjit Singh explained that the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme aims to provide quality higher education to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs). Eligible students with a family income below Rs 2.50 lakh annually can apply for the freeship card through the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship Portal (https://scholarships.punjab.gov.in).

The Tehsil Social Justice and Empowerment Officer verifies the student’s caste certificate, income certificate and previous year/course completion certificate before issuing the freeship card, which remains valid for one year.

The SDM noted that once a student obtains the freeship card, they can secure admission to any institution (school, college or university) within a year without paying any fees. All children from SC families can benefit from the scheme. He also gathered information on challenges faced by the institutions and directed them to strictly follow the scheme’s guidelines as issued by the Government of India.

District Welfare Officer Kamaljit Raju advised institutions to establish grievance redressal cells. Additionally, Raju emphasised that if a degree is withheld by an institution due to non-payment of fees by a student who has completed their degree, the student can file a complaint with the District Welfare Officer.