PMSCTEOICPHH

Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards

5.8/10

Financial assistance is provided to children whose parents or guardians are engaged in occupations involving cleaning and health hazards, such as tanners, flayers, waste pickers, and manual scavengers. This scheme supports their pre-matric education by offering cash scholarships for both day scholars and hostellers. Day scholars from classes 1 to 10 receive ₹110 per month for ten months, while hostellers from classes 3 to 10 receive ₹700 per month for the same duration. Additionally, there are provisions for students with disabilities, including allowances for transport and assistance. The scholarships are available for students enrolled in the pre-matric stage, terminating at the end of class 10. To be eligible, students must not be employed or assist their parents in work during their studies and must maintain regular attendance. The scheme aims to alleviate financial burdens, ensuring that children from these backgrounds can pursue their education without hindrance.

Central Cash

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment

Nodal department: Department of Social Justice & Empowerment

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Education & Learning, Social welfare & Empowerment

Sub-categories: Scholarships and student finance, Financial assistance

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Scholarship, Pre-Matric, School, Education, Student

Details

Launched in the year 1977-78, the scheme "Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards" is a Scholarship Scheme by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to children whose parents/guardians belong to one of the following categories, to pursue Pre-Matric education: Tanners, Flayers, Waste Pickers and Persons who are either presently engaged in Manual Scavenging.

Benefits

Rate of Scholarship 1. Day Scholars: Class 1st to 10th: ₹110/- per month for ten months. 1. Hostellers: Class 3rd to 10th: ₹700/- per month for ten months. Ad-Hoc Grant 1. ₹750/- per student per annum to all-day scholars. 1. ₹1000/- per student per annum to hostellers. Additional Provisions for Students with Disabilities 1. Reader Allowance of ₹100 per month for blind students in classes III and X. 1. Transport Allowance of ₹50 per month for disabled students not residing in the hostel located within the premises of the educational institution. 1. Special Pay of ₹100 per month would be admissible to any employee of the hostel willing to extend help to a severely orthopedically handicapped student residing in a hostel managed by the educational institution or by the State Government/Union Territory Administration who may need the assistance of a helper. 1. Escort Allowance of ₹50 per month for severely handicapped day scholar students with lower extremity disability. 1. Extra Coaching Allowance of ₹100 per month to mentally retarded and mentally ill students in classes III and X. NOTE 1: The students amongst target groups with disabilities covered under this scheme can however also get such additional benefits from other schemes which are not covered in the above provision. Duration and Course of Studies 1. The scholarships may be given to students enrolled in class 1st or any subsequent class or pre-matric stage in the case of day scholars. 1. The scholarships may be given to students enrolled in class 3rd or any subsequent class of the pre-matric stage in the case of hostellers. 1. The scholarship will terminate at the end of class 10th. 1. The duration of the scholarship in an academic year is ten months. Mode of Disbursal 1. The scholarship amount will be payable from the date of joining to the date of leaving the school excluding the period of vacation which will be about 10 months in a year except in the cases where the student enters or leaves early in the midst of academic year. 1. In order to ensure timely and correct payment of the scholarship amount to the beneficiaries
State Governments/UT administrations will ensure payment of scholarship through their accounts in banks through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as prescribed by the Govt. of India. All State government/UT Administrations will implement a computerized management system of scholarships including 'e-payment' system

Rate of Scholarship

Day Scholars: Class 1st to 10th: ₹ 110/- per month for ten months.
Hostellers: Class 3rd to 10th: ₹ 700/- per month for ten months.

Ad-Hoc Grant

₹ 750/- per student per annum to all-day scholars.
₹ 1000/- per student per annum to hostellers.

Additional Provisions for Students with Disabilities

Reader Allowance of ₹ 100 per month for blind students in classes III and X.
Transport Allowance of ₹ 50 per month for disabled students not residing in the hostel located within the premises of the educational institution.
Special Pay of ₹ 100 per month would be admissible to any employee of the hostel willing to extend help to a severely orthopedically handicapped student residing in a hostel managed by the educational institution or by the State Government/Union Territory Administration who may need the assistance of a helper.
Escort Allowance of ₹ 50 per month for severely handicapped day scholar students with lower extremity disability.
Extra Coaching Allowance of ₹ 100 per month to mentally retarded and mentally ill students in classes III and X.

NOTE 1: The students amongst target groups with disabilities covered under this scheme can, however, also get such additional benefits from other schemes, which are not covered in the above provision.
Duration and Course of Studies

The scholarships may be given to students enrolled in class 1st or any subsequent class or pre-matric stage in the case of day scholars.
The scholarships may be given to students enrolled in class 3rd or any subsequent class of the pre-matric stage in the case of hostellers.
The scholarship will terminate at the end of class 10th.
The duration of the scholarship in an academic year is ten months.

Mode of Disbursal

The scholarship amount will be payable from the date of joining to the date of leaving the school, excluding the period of vacation, which will be about 10 months in a year except in the cases where the student enters or leaves early in the midst of academic year.
In order to ensure timely and correct payment of the scholarship amount to the beneficiaries, State Governments/UT administrations will ensure payment of scholarship through their accounts in banks through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as prescribed by the Govt. of India. All State government/UT Administrations will implement a computerized management system of scholarships, including 'e-payment' system.

Eligibility

Eligibility
The scholarship will be admissible to the children/wards of Indian Nationals who, irrespective of their religion belong to one of the following categories:

Tanners & Flayers.
Waste Pickers.
Persons who are Manual Scavengers as defined under section 2(I) (g) of the Manual Scavengers Act 2013.
Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning as defined in Section 2(I) (d) of the Manual Scavengers Act 2013.

Other Conditions

The students may not be allowed to take up employment or render help to parents in their work during the course of their studies.
The award will be discontinued if a student fails to secure annual promotion except in case of unavoidable reasons to be certified by the Head of the Institution in which the student is studying.
If a student violates school discipline or any other terms and conditions of the scholarships, the scholarship may be suspended or even cancelled, subject to the satisfaction of the competent school authority.
Migration of students from one institution to another would not normally be allowed during the course of the academic year except under exceptional circumstances and in the interest of the student's academic career.
The scholar obtaining benefits under this scheme is not allowed to avail of benefits under any other pre-matric scholarship scheme.
The students should be regular in attendance for which the yardstick is to be decided by the competent authority of the school.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

5.8

/ 10

Public Benefit Score

Accessibility 7.0/10 Good

Rural usefulness 4.0/10 Moderate

Application complexity 4.0/10 Moderate

Financial impact 4.0/10 Moderate

Literacy barrier 6.0/10 Moderate

Women inclusivity 7.0/10 Good

Awareness 7.5/10 Good

Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good

Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens

Accessibility7.0
Financial impact4.0
Rural utility4.0
Awareness7.5
Simplicity6.0
Inclusivity7.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme provides essential financial support for children of workers in hazardous occupations, promoting education and reducing dropout rates.

Key challenges addressed

Financial barriers to education for children of marginalized workers
Encouragement for children to pursue education instead of work

Most beneficial for

Children of manual scavengers
Children of waste pickers
Children of tanners and flayers

Likely challenges

Awareness of the scheme among eligible families
Complexity in application process for semi-literate individuals
Potential delays in fund disbursal

Practical insights for citizens

Practical for eligible families but requires better awareness and support mechanisms

Rural challenges

Limited awareness of the scheme
Access to schools and application support

Digital challenges

Limited internet access in rural areas
Dependence on online application processes

Implementation bottlenecks

Coordination between schools and state administration
Delays in fund disbursal

Awareness challenges

Low visibility in local communities
Limited outreach efforts

Application analysis

Application mode: Hybrid
Documents burden: Minimal, mainly application forms and certificates
Verification complexity: Moderate, requires school authority involvement
Office dependency: Moderate, relies on school and state administration
DBT dependency: High, funds disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer
CSC support: Available but varies by region
Estimated citizen effort: Moderate, requires filling forms and school coordination

Estimated beneficiary reach

Rural / urban reach High
Gender reach Equal
Target income group Low-income families
Occupation reach Specific to hazardous cleaning occupations

Benefit analysis

Benefit type: Cash
Benefit frequency: Monthly for ten months
Benefit practicality: Direct financial support helps cover educational expenses
Financial meaningfulness: Moderate, provides essential support but may not cover all costs
Long-term impact: Positive, encourages continued education and reduces child labor

Plain-language guidance

This scheme offers financial help to children whose parents work in dangerous jobs, allowing them to continue their education. Eligible students can receive monthly scholarships to support their schooling.

Who should apply: Children of tanners, flayers, waste pickers, and manual scavengers.
Who may struggle: Families with low literacy levels and limited access to information.
Best application route: Apply via local school or CSC with necessary documents.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Announcement of Scheme
The scheme will be announced by the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration well in time, by giving advertisements in the leading language newspapers local dailies and by using other suitable publicity media.
Supply of Application Forms
The concerned Department of the State Government/Union Territory administration will supply the application forms, which should be received back by that department along with the prescribed certificate, by the last date.
Identification of Target Group

The State Government/ UT Administration will define the modalities and issue instructions to concerned agencies for the identification of the target group.
The State Government will instruct the institutions to provide full support to students in submitting applications for scholarships.
The applications along with supporting documents should be called online along with hard copies.

Submission of Application Forms

The student should fill the application form and submit it to the School Authority.
The school should upload the applications in the portal.

Renewal of Scholarship
The scholarship, once awarded, may be renewed during the next academic year by the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What role do schools play in assisting students with scholarship applications?: Schools are expected to provide full support to students in submitting their scholarship applications and coordinating with the State Government and NSKFDC.
How is the scheme announced, and how can students apply for it?: The scheme is announced by the State Government/Union Territory Administration through advertisements in newspapers, and application forms are supplied by the concerned department. The application process is a combination of online and hard copy submissions.
Can you explain the duration and course of studies covered by the scholarship?: The scholarship applies to students in class I or subsequent classes for day scholars and class III or subsequent classes for hostellers. It terminates at the end of class X, covering a ten-month academic year.
How is the scholarship disbursed?: The scholarship amount is paid from the date of joining to the date of leaving school, excluding vacation periods, and is typically disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in the student's bank account.
What qualifies as a disability for this scholarship?: Disabilities are defined by the Persons with Disabilities Act and include conditions like blindness, low-vision, leprosy-cured, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental retardation, and mental illness.
Are there additional provisions for students with disabilities?: Yes, there are allowances and benefits for students with disabilities, including reader allowances and transport allowances.
What are the financial benefits for day scholars and hostellers under this scheme?: Day scholars in classes 1st to 10th receive ₹110 per month for ten months, while hostellers in classes 3rd to 10th receive ₹700 per month for ten months, along with ad-hoc grants.
Can a student benefit from multiple pre-matric scholarship schemes?: No, students benefiting from this scheme cannot avail of benefits under any other pre-matric scholarship scheme.
Are there any conditions regarding student migration between institutions?: Migration is generally not allowed during the academic year except under exceptional circumstances and in the interest of the student's academic career.
What happens if a student fails to secure annual promotion?: If a student fails to secure annual promotion, their scholarship may be discontinued unless there are valid reasons certified by the Head of the Institution.
Are students allowed to work during their studies if they receive this scholarship?: No, students cannot take up employment or assist their parents in such work during their studies.
Can children who are adopted by those engaged in these occupations also receive the scholarship?: Yes, adopted children can be eligible, but there are specific conditions and a waiting period.
Which categories of occupations are eligible for this scholarship?: The eligible occupations include manual scavengers, tanners, flayers, and waste pickers.
What is the history and purpose of the Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme for children of those in unclean occupations?: The scheme has been in place since 1977-78, with the objective of providing financial assistance to children of individuals engaged in certain unclean occupations to pursue pre-matric education.

Definitions

Disability

Official links

References

Guidelines: https://nskfdc.nic.in/writereaddata/files/Regulations_PMS.pdf
MoSJE - Compedium Of Schemes: https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Compendium%20of%20Schemes-2016%20English636257859335528764.pdf

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Eligibility for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Benefits under Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards is managed by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Applications for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards.
Is Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards a central government scheme?: Yes, Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can students apply for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Does Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards provide healthcare or insurance support?: Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards may provide healthcare assistance, insurance coverage, cashless treatment support, medical reimbursement, or hospital-related benefits depending on the scheme structure.
Can beneficiaries use Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards at government hospitals?: Eligible beneficiaries may be able to access services at empanelled hospitals, government healthcare facilities, or authorised healthcare providers depending on scheme participation rules.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards?: Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards in All India?: Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Children of Those Engaged in Occupations Involving Cleaning and Prone to Health Hazards applications?: Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.