Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship 2023

Introduction

Education is a powerful tool that empowers individuals and transforms societies. Recognizing the importance of education in empowering girls, the Indian government initiated the Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship. This scholarship scheme, under the purview of the University Grants Commission (UGC), aims to support the education of single girl children pursuing higher education. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship seeks to alleviate the direct cost burden on families and promote gender equality through education.

An Overview

Eligibility Criteria and Award Details

The Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship has specific eligibility criteria to ensure that the scholarship reaches the deserving candidates. To be eligible, applicants must be admitted into the regular, full-time first-year master’s degree course in any designated university or postgraduate college. Furthermore, the candidate must be the only child of her parents and should not have any brothers, although twin daughters or fraternal daughters can apply. The age limit for applicants is set at 30 years at the time of admission into the postgraduate program.

The selected girl students who meet the eligibility criteria are awarded a scholarship amount of INR 36,200 per year for a period of two years, covering the complete duration of their postgraduate course. This financial assistance aims to ease the financial burden on the families and enable the girls to focus on their studies without financial constraints.

Application Process and Required Documents

The application process for the Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship involves registering with the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) as a new user. Applicants need to provide all the necessary details, including personal information, academic details, contact information, and scheme details. During the application process, applicants must upload scanned copies of their Aadhar Enrollment/Aadhar Card, a passport-sized photograph, self-attested copies of previous academic mark sheets, and the fee receipt of the current course year. These documents play a crucial role in verifying the identity and academic eligibility of the applicants.

The NSP provides a user-friendly interface that guides applicants through each step of the application process. Applicants are required to save the filled-in application form as a draft to review and verify the accuracy of the information provided. Once the applicant is satisfied with the details, they can submit the completed scholarship application form.

Disbursement and Reporting

Upon selection, the scholarship amount of INR 36,200 per year is disbursed to the students through the UGC-designated agency. The disbursement begins from the date of the awardees joining the first year of their postgraduate course. To facilitate the disbursement process, awardees must submit a copy of their award letter, joining report, photograph, address, and contact number to the designated agency.

Importantly, awardees must adhere to the reporting requirements as specified by the UGC. This includes timely submission of required documents, updates on their progress, and any other necessary information. By maintaining effective reporting practices, the UGC ensures the smooth implementation of the scholarship program and the proper utilization of funds.

Conclusion

The Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship is a commendable initiative that recognizes the importance of education in empowering girls and promoting gender equality. By providing financial assistance to single girl children pursuing higher education, this scholarship scheme supports the dreams and aspirations of young women across India. Through education, these girls can break barriers, overcome societal challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the nation.

It is crucial for eligible candidates to be aware of the scholarship’s eligibility criteria, application process, and required documents. By taking advantage of the National Scholarship Portal and adhering to the specified procedures, aspiring scholars can increase their chances of securing this valuable scholarship opportunity.

The Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship serves as a beacon of hope, empowering girls and enabling them to reach their full potential. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all, regardless of gender. By investing in the education of single girl children, the scholarship paves the way for a brighter and more inclusive future, where women can play vital roles in shaping society and driving progress.