Aikyashree Scholarship Introduction
The West Bengal government launched the Aikyashree scholarship scheme in 2012 to provide educational opportunities for students from minority communities in the state. Aimed at promoting literacy and education among minority groups, the scholarship enables economically disadvantaged students to pursue school and college education.
The term ‘Aikyashree’ means ‘education for unity’ in Bengali. Through this initiative, the government strives to bring unity and remove disparities by making education accessible to all sections of society.
Key Features of the Aikyashree Scholarship
The Aikyashree scholarship program offers financial assistance to minority community students at various educational levels:
Pre-Matric Scholarships
This covers students from Class 1 to Class 10, providing support for school fees, books, uniforms, shoes, and bags.
Post-Matric Scholarships
For undergraduate and postgraduate students, the scholarship includes tuition fees, hostel fees, study materials, and exam fees.
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
This offers financial help to minority students with family income below Rs 2.5 lakhs per annum and who have secured at least 50% marks in the previous exam.
How To Apply Aikyashree Scholarship
Step 1: Go to the official website wbmdfcscholarship.gov.in
Step 2: Click on “New Registration” and fill in your personal details like name, date of birth, mobile number, etc. to create an account. Make sure all details entered are correct.
Step 3: After registration, login to your account using your mobile number and password.
Step 4: In the dashboard, click on “Student Application Form”. Fill in all the required details carefully.
Step 5: Upload scanned copies of essential documents – photograph, income certificate, community certificate, previous year’s marksheet, current year fee receipt, bank passbook first page. Ensure all scanned documents are clear and legible.
Step 6: Review the application form thoroughly before submitting. Once submitted, the application cannot be edited.
Step 7: After submission, note down the Application Reference ID generated. This will be required to track application status.
Step 8: If documents are not uploaded correctly, the application may get rejected. So carefully re-check documents before submitting the form.
Step 9: Regularly check the application status online by logging into your account. You will receive updates via SMS also.
Step 10: If selected, you will get intimation and the scholarship amount will be disbursed directly into the bank account provided.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for the Aikyashree Scholarship?
Ans: Students passing Higher Secondary or graduation examinations with at least 50% marks and having an annual family income of less than Rs. 2.5 lakhs are eligible.
Q2. What documents are required for the application?
Ans: Documents like photograph, income certificate, community certificate, previous and current year academic documents, bank passbook are required. All documents should be self-attested.
Q3. How can I track the status of my scholarship application?
Ans: After submitting the application, you will get an application ID. Use this on the portal to track your application status. You will also get status updates via SMS.
Q4. What is the scholarship amount given?
Ans: The scholarship provides up to Rs.10,000 per year for higher secondary students and up to Rs.25,000 per year for UG level students. The amount is disbursed directly into the bank account.
Conclusion
Aikyashree Scholarship scheme reflects West Bengal government’s continued efforts to build an inclusive and equitable education system. By supporting minorities and lower income groups, it is bridging the social divide and creating new avenues for disadvantaged communities to progress. The scholarship has already benefited lakhs of students and shown measurable impact on minority literacy and education levels. However, enhanced awareness and streamlined disbursal processes could widen its reach further. Overall, Aikyashree sets a powerful precedent on how targeted financial aid and affirmative action can make quality education accessible to all. It has the potential to transform minority lives and achieve substantive empowerment. With sustained government commitment and funding support, Aikyashree can unlock the full socio-economic potential of minorities and bolster West Bengal’s human capital in the coming years.
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