The problem of gender inequality with several girls per male is a problem in India. There still exists prejudice in society and the expectation of having male children; girls are denied a fair education. In turn, the Indian government has put in place several measures to resolve the challenges faced by women and children, including the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child. This scholarship seeks to increase the number of women by encouraging advanced studies for a single girl child. In this article, we will focus on the scope of the scholarship, its intended beneficiaries, benefit packages, application procedures and its influence on the status of women in India.

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Objectives of the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child

This scholarship scheme aims at providing assistance for the education of single girl children at the post-graduate level and removing financial barriers to enhance the inclusiveness of women in higher education. The primary objectives of this scheme include:

1. Encouraging Higher Education for Single Girl Child: The scholarship funds can be used to pay for the child’s education, which will be beneficial if she is the only child. As a result, the younger generation of women will have more opportunities available to them.
2. Promoting the Small Family Norm: The allocation of funds to single girl children is consistent with India’s family planning objectives by persuading families to adopt smaller family norms and providing all-around better education to fewer children.

Eligibility Criteria for Indira Gandhi Scholarship

The scholarship targets single girl children enrolled in postgraduate non-professional courses. Let’s take an elaborate look at the eligibility requirements:

1. Target Group: The scholarship covers single girl children who are pursuing postgraduate non-professional programmes in Indian universities or colleges.
2. Course and Mode of Study: This scholarship is for regular master’s students in their first year of study. Those enrolled in distance learning or part-time programs are not eligible.
3. Age Limit: The upper limit is 30 years and must be at the time of taking admission in the postgraduate course.
4. Family Structure: The qualifying factor on the applicant’s side has to be the only girl child in the family. The scholarships will not be available to families in which there is both a son and a daughter.

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Assistance

The Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship provides money for a maximum of two years, allowing the student to qualify for cost-free postgraduate education. The distinct advantages include:

1. Monthly Stipend: A scholarship sum of Two Thousand Rupees p.m. for two complete and consecutive years (10 months each year) throughout the prescribed duration of the postgraduate course
2. Tuition Fees Waiver: Institutions exempt these scholarship holders from paying tuition fees. This waiver applies only to the specified institutions, lowering the cost of education for the students and their guardians.
3. Annual Allocation: Annually, 1,200 slots for the scholarship are available, which allows single girl children to benefit and advance in their studies.

Indira Gandhi Scholarship Application Process

The application procedure for the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship is comprehensive and convenient for students from all over India. Eligible applicants may find helpful information in the following step-by-step instructions:

Submitting the Application Online

• Eligible candidates can submit an online application for the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at the start of the application process and announcement on the University Grants Commission (UGC) website.

Acceptance from the Host Institution

• The institution where the candidate is pursuing a course must approve the online application posted by the candidate. This measure ensures that only genuine and qualified candidates can apply for these funds.

Waiving off Tuition Fees

• Under the scheme, the institutions admitting women students enrolled in the first year of postgraduate courses should not charge any tuition fees for the whole duration of the course.

Important Notes:

1. Annual Application Cycle: Students apply once each year through the National Scholarship Portal, with regular deadline reminders posted as short notifications on the UGC website.
2. Complete Applications: Only those applications submitted through the National Scholarship Portal and error-free are eligible.
3. Supporting Documents: An affidavit in support of their status as single girl children, as per the format of the guidelines.
4. Joining Report: The application must include a joining report prepared using the template.

Cancellation of Scholarship

To make sure that only the deserving students receive scholarships, the UGC reserves the right to cancel the scholarship under some conditions as stated below:

1. Misbehavior or Ineligibility: For any misconduct or issues related to eligibility, if reported by the institution, they have the right to termination. If a student is found to be ineligible sometime after she receives funds, she must bring back the funds.
2. Poor Academic Achievement: If you do not maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance as out of the agreed benchmarks, these being, less than 60 per cent by the first year or less than 55 per cent for students with a physical disability. Then, it will be the basis for cancelling the grant.
3. Issues of Documentation: All students should ensure that they provide relevant and correct documentation, and any such breach of this requirement may lead to the withdrawal of the grant.

Impact of the Scholarship on Women’s Empowerment

Indira Gandhi Scholarship has significance for gender equality through education. Indira Gandhi Scholarship targets a single girl child and not only helps individual families but ensures that a whole nation can benefit from the young talent. The implications of educating girls are extensive, such as increased self-worth, financial self-sufficiency, and positive engagement with society. Additionally, the initiative changes the prevailing cultural perception of daughters to that of usefulness to the family.

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Conclusion

The postgraduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child is a clear indication that India wants to elevate women through education. The government enables this dream by extending access to postgraduate education thereby creating a future of educated women who can play a substantial role in nation-building. This scholarship program is a manifestation of how scholarship funding can eliminate gender-based discrimination and promote an ideal society.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child?

This scholarship seeks to promote higher education among single girl child beneficiaries by offering financial help to pursue postgraduate education.

Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?

Single girl children up to 30 years of age, enrolled in the first year of a full-time regular postgraduate course in a recognized institution, are eligible to apply.

What documents are compulsory for the application?

Important documents are an admission letter, affidavit of single girl child, joining report and other supporting documents mentioned in the application guidance.

How much financial aid is available under the scholarship?

The scholarship provides a two-year stipend of INR 2000 per month for 10 months each year and free tuition in some colleges for its participants.