SCAFE

Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience

"Scheme for Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience (CAFES)" was introduced by AICTE to provide financial assistance for construction of hostel to create a congenial study atmosphere free from the shackles of domestic shores so as to encourage students to purse their education.

Central Cash

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry of Education

Nodal department: Department Of Higher Education

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

Categories: Education & Learning

Sub-categories: Resources for schools, Universities and higher education

Target beneficiaries: Institution

Tags: Accomodation, Institution, Hostel

Details

"Scheme for Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience (CAFES)" introduced by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Department of Higher Education (DoHE), aims to support the construction or extension of hostels to ensure that students have a suitable living space that promotes academic growth and personal development. It caters to SC/ST, differently-abled, and NER students, enabling them to pursue education without the burden of domestic responsibilities. Financial aid is provided for constructing the hostel and related facilities like gyms, sports clubs, and libraries, aiming to create a holistic learning environment.

Benefits

  • Limit of Funding from AICTE: ₹3.25 crore
  • Construction of Hostel: ₹3,00,00,000/-.- Establishment of Gym equipment: ₹5,00,000/-.- Establishment of Indoor sports club: ₹10,00,000/-.- Establishment of the library for preparation of tests for competitive examination/higher education : ₹10,00,000/-. Disbursement of the Funds:
  • First Installment (50%): Disbursed in advance upon proposal sanction for hostel construction.- Second Installment (40%): Released after spot inspection and utilization of the first installment.- Third Installment (10%): Disbursed after submission of the completion certificate and all mandatory documents.- Additional Funds: For gym, sports club, and library after the second installment and competitive quotations

Limit of Funding from AICTE: ₹ 3.25 crore

  • Construction of Hostel: ₹ 3,00,00,000/-.- Establishment of Gym equipment: ₹ 5,00,000/-.- Establishment of Indoor sports club: ₹ 10,00,000/-.- Establishment of the library for preparation of tests for competitive examination/higher education: ₹ 10,00,000/-.

Disbursement of the Funds:

  • First Installment (50%): Disbursed in advance upon proposal sanction for hostel construction.- Second Installment (40%): Released after spot inspection and utilization of the first installment.- Third Installment (10%): Disbursed after submission of the completion certificate and all mandatory documents.- Additional Funds: For gym, sports club, and library after the second installment and competitive quotations.

Eligibility

  • The Institutes must be AICTE-approved Government/Government-aided engineering colleges, university departments, or polytechnics.
  • The Institutes must have been in existence for at least five years.
  • The Institute must have more than:

For CAFES SC/ST students: At least 200 SC/ST students on roll.
For CAFES NER: At least 60 students from NER per year.
For CAFES Differently Abled: At least 150 differently-abled students on roll.

Terms and Conditions:

  • Annual Progress Report should be submitted within 2 months of completion of the year.
  • After completion of the project, a Project Completion Report should be submitted.
  • Utilization Certificate and Statement of Accounts in prescribed proforma duly audited by the Finance Officer/Account Officer.
  • If the construction work is not initiated within six months then the amount is to be refunded to AICTE with accrued interest with justification for not being able to start.
  • Any change in the construction plan leading to a reduction in the facilities or area would not be allowed.


Application Process

Offline

Step 1: Kindly visit the AICTE Web Portal and log in through the Institute's Login Credential (Username & Password).
Step 2: Select the Scheme to apply i.e. CAFES scheme application.
Step 3: To fill out the application form, kindly refer to the validating User Manual on the AICTE website.
Step 4: After completion, click on SUBMIT.
Step 5: Verify that every page of the application form has the signature and stamp of the Institute’s Head.
Step 6: After submitting the application form, click on reports.
Step 7: In Run Report, select "CAFES" and Submit (download the report).
Step 8: Upload all the essential documents along with the online application form.

Helpdesk:

For Scheme Related Information:
Email address: cafesidc@aicte-india.org
Phone Number: (011) 29581340
For Technical Information:
Email address: it3idc@aicte-india.org
Phone Number: (011) 29581334

Clarifications

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

What Are The Objectives Of The "CAFES" Scheme?
Objective (a) The scheme is initiated to facilitate the continuation of education and also the interaction between the students beyond class hours for their all-around development. (b) The scheme aims to support Government/ Government-aided engineering colleges/ University departments/ Polytechnics for the construction of hostels for providing residential accommodation for students/researchers. (c) This AICTE scheme also allows the extension of existing hostels in the institute by additional construction work to benefit the students. (d) This scheme has three variants addressing the needs of: (i) CAFES - SC/ST students (ii) CAFES - NER (Institute located in North Eastern Region) (iii) CAFES - Differently Abled students
How Many Variants Are To This Scheme?
This scheme has three variants addressing the needs of: (i) CAFES - SC/ST students (ii) CAFES - NER (Institute located in North Eastern Region) (iii) CAFES - Differently Abled students
Does The Scheme Also Provide Support To Polytechnics?
Yes, the scheme aims to support Government/ Government-aided engineering colleges/ University departments/ Polytechnics for the construction of hostels for providing residential accommodation for students/researchers.
Is There An Upper Ceiling To The Financial Assistance Of The Universities?
Yes, the limit of Funding from AICTE is ₹ 3.25 crore
What Amount Out Of The Total Fund Must Go For The Construction Of The Hostel?
Construction of Hostel: ₹ 3,00,00,000
What Amount Out Of The Total Fund Must Go For The Establishment Of Gym Equipment?
Establishment of Gym equipment: ₹ 5,00,000
Are The Funds Disbursed In Installments Or As A Lump Sum?
Disbursement of the Funds is done in installments - (a) Disbursement of 50% of the amount (1st installment) in advance upon sanction of the proposal, out of funds for the construction of the hostel. (b) Disbursement of 40% of the amount (2nd installment), out of funds for the construction of the hostel on utilization of the 1st installment to be released only after spot inspection carried out by an Evaluation Committee comprising of two engineers (one each from Civil & Architect) from AICTE approved panel to be organized by concerned RO AICTE. The EVC report should contain all the mandatory documents. (c) Disbursement of the remaining 10% of the amount (3rd installment), out of funds for the construction of the hostel on submitting a completion certificate by registered Civil Engineer/ Architect/ PWD and submission of all other mandatory documents as mentioned in the sanction letters and the parameter of the scheme.
What Are The Conditions Regarding The Funds For The Establishment Of The Gym, And Indoor Sports Club?
The funds for the establishment of the gym, indoor sports club, and the establishment of the library would be granted on submission of a proper quotation at a competitive rate after the release of the 2nd installment amount and handing over the building in all respects.
Are Newly Opened Institutes Eligible To Apply To This Scheme?
No, the Institute must be in existence for the last five years in order to be eligible to apply to this scheme.
Are All The Institutes Throughout The Country Eligible For "CAFES – SC/ST Students"?
The Institutes located in Punjab, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & UTs are not covered under the CAFES - SC/ST students scheme.
When Must The Annual Progress Report Be Submitted?
Annual Progress Report should be submitted within 2 months of completion of the year.
Who Should Audit The Utilization Certificate And Statement Of Accounts?
Utilization Certificate and Statement of Accounts in prescribed proforma must be duly audited by the Finance Officer/Account Officer.
What If The Institute Fails To Initiate The Construction Work Within Six Months?
If the construction work is not initiated within six months then the amount is to be refunded to AICTE with accrued interest with justification for not being able to start.
Does The Scheme Allow For Changes In The Construction Plan?
Any change in the construction plan leading to a reduction in the facilities or area would not be allowed.
What Should Be The Strength Of The CAFES Variants?
The Institute must have more than: CAFES (SC/ST students) - 200 SC/ST students on roll. CAFES (NER) - 60 students on a roll per year. CAFES (Differently abled students) - 150 Differently abled students.
Are The Institutes Located In Meghalaya, Mizoram, And Nagaland Covered In This Scheme?
No, institutes located in Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland are not covered.
Where Should The Hard Copy Of The Application Form Be Sent?
Kindly ensure all the information is correct and then send the Application form along with all the essential documents through registered post/ speed post to: Dr. Neeraj Saxena, Advisor Institutional DevelopmentCell All India Council for Technical Education, Nelson Madela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110070
How Many Copies Of The Plan And Detailed Estimates Must Be Submitted?
Two copies of the plan and detailed estimates duly signed by the Engineer/Architect and countersigned by the Principal.

References

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Documents Required for Government Schemes

Most government schemes require basic documents for verification. While the exact requirements vary, common documents include:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Residence Proof
  • Bank Account Details
  • Educational Certificates (for student schemes)

How to Apply for Government Schemes?

The application process for government schemes may be online or offline depending on the scheme. In most cases, you can follow these steps:

  1. Check eligibility criteria
  2. Collect required documents
  3. Fill the application form
  4. Submit the application online or at the relevant office
  5. Track application status