Policy Update
Madhu Swaraj
Background
The Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a significant initiative by the Government of India, aimed at providing financial support and encouragement to specially-abled students to pursue technical education. The scheme was officially launched in the academic year 2014-15. It was introduced under the then Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), which has since been renamed the Ministry of Education. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the statutory body for technical education in the country, was tasked with implementing and managing the scheme.
The central objective of the Saksham Scholarship scheme is to provide financial assistance and support to economically weaker, differently-abled students to pursue technical education at the Degree or Diploma level in AICTE-approved institutions. It is designed to ensure that physical challenges do not become a barrier to academic and professional success, fostering an inclusive environment in the Technical education sector (Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and allied disciplines).
Functioning
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the scheme reaches its intended beneficiaries, the following criteria must be met:
- Disability: The applicant must be a specially-abled student with a minimum disability of 40% as certified by a competent medical authority.
- Admission Status: Must be admitted to the first year of a Degree or Diploma level technical course, or the second year (through lateral entry), in any AICTE-approved institution for the current academic year.
- Family Income: The annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 Lakh per annum during the current financial year. A valid income certificate issued by the competent State/UT Government is mandatory.
- Exclusion: The candidate should NOT be a recipient of any other Central Government, State Government, or AICTE-sponsored scholarship.
Application and Disbursement Process
The functioning of the scheme is streamlined through a centralized online platform, ensuring transparency and ease of access.
- Application Submission: Applications are invited once a year through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) of the Government of India (scholarships.gov.in). Students must complete the online application, ensuring all information is correct and complete.
- Document Verification: Applicants must upload necessary documents, including the Aadhaar card, disability certificate, income certificate, admission proof, and bank details. The student’s application is verified at the institutional and then the State/UT level. Incomplete or incorrect applications are summarily rejected.
- Selection and Award: Selection is based on merit in the qualifying examination (e.g., the examination based on which the student secured admission to the technical course), from amongst the eligible, verified applications. Initially, there was a limit on the number of scholarships, but currently, scholarships are awarded to all eligible specially-abled students admitted to AICTE-approved institutions.
- Disbursement: The scholarship amount of ₹50,000 is transferred directly into the student’s bank account via the DBT system annually. Students must have a regular savings account in their name (minor/joint accounts are typically not accepted).
Renewal
The scholarship is subject to annual renewal. To be eligible for renewal in the subsequent academic year, a student must:
- Submit a renewal application through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Have been promoted to the next class/level without any backlog. Failure to get promoted will result in the forfeiture of the scholarship and discontinuation of financial assistance.
Performance
The initial performance of the Saksham Scholarship scheme was marked by a low uptake of applications (e.g., 2014-15: 179 applications, 2016-17: 362 applications), compared to the number of scholarships available, which was initially set at 1000 per annum (500 for Degree and 500 for Diploma).
To enhance the scheme’s reach and effectiveness, several key amendments were introduced:
- Initially, the scholarship amount was split (₹30,000 for tuition fee and ₹20,000 as contingency). An expert committee recommended a provision for supporting students in purchasing Aids and Assistive Devices in cases where tuition fees were exempted or less than ₹30,000.
- The criteria requiring admission through a Centralized Counselling process was removed in 2017. This critical change made differently-abled students who were directly admitted to AICTE-approved institutions eligible, broadening the applicant pool.
- Currently, the grant is a lump sum of ₹50,000 per annum for general educational expenses, eliminating the previous split structure, which simplifies the benefit and provides greater flexibility to students.
- The current approach has removed the fixed quota of 1000 scholarships, offering the scholarship to all eligible candidates who meet the criteria, which is a major move toward comprehensive inclusion.
Impact
The impact of this scheme goes far beyond mere financial aid, driving significant social and educational transformation. By specifically focusing on technical degree and diploma courses in AICTE-approved institutions, the scheme strategically pushes students toward skill-based, high-demand careers.
Educational and Economic Impact
The scheme acts as a powerful catalyst for change, addressing critical issues faced by specially-abled students.
- Bridging the Financial Gap: The most direct impact is the significant financial relief it provides. Technical education can be expensive, and for students from economically weaker backgrounds, the cost of specialized equipment, accessible housing, and tuition can be prohibitive. The annual lump sum of ₹50,000 helps in covering essential expenses, allowing students to concentrate on their studies rather than financial worries. It ensures that financial limitations do not become a barrier to accessing quality technical education, which is crucial for modern employment.
- Promoting Inclusive Education: The Saksham scheme actively promotes the principle of equal opportunity by ensuring that disability does not impede access to higher education. It encourages specially-abled individuals to enter the mainstream academic environment, fostering integration and a sense of belonging. By increasing the participation of differently-abled students in technical courses, it pushes educational institutions to become more inclusive and accessible.
- Enhancing Employability and Skill Development: Technical education is a direct route to better employment opportunities. The scholarship’s focus on technical fields directly contributes to skill enhancement. Graduates emerge with specialized skills that are in demand across various industries, significantly boosting their employability. This ultimately leads to greater economic independence and a more fulfilling life for the beneficiaries, turning them into contributors to the national workforce.
Societal and Psychological Impact
Beyond the immediate financial and educational benefits, the Saksham scheme drives broader societal change.
- Empowerment and Confidence Building: Receiving the scholarship is an act of recognition and validation. It empowers specially-abled students to envision and work towards a successful future. Overcoming the dual challenges of financial constraint and disability fosters immense self-confidence and resilience. Students are equipped to overcome limitations and lead a life of dignity, contributing meaningfully to their communities.
- Challenging Stereotypes: The success stories of Saksham beneficiaries serve as powerful examples that challenge societal stereotypes and misconceptions about specially-abled individuals. Showcasing the talents and achievements of these students encourages society to re-evaluate preconceived notions and recognize their potential. This shift in perspective is instrumental in building a more inclusive and accepting society where diversity is valued.
- Contribution to Human Capital: The scheme taps into the often-underutilized talent pool of differently-abled individuals. By nurturing this potential through technical education, the scheme adds value, innovation, and diverse perspectives to the national human capital, strengthening India’s workforce and driving overall progress.
Emerging Issues
While the scheme is commendable in its objective of fostering inclusivity and empowerment, several emerging and persistent issues challenge its optimal implementation and reach.
1. Limited Scope and Course Coverage
One of the primary limitations is the restriction of the scholarship to only AICTE-approved technical degree and diploma courses. Many differently-abled students may opt for non-technical or general university courses where financial aid is equally crucial. The narrow focus on technical education means a large segment of the deserving differently-abled student population is excluded from this specific scheme. Experts have suggested expanding the scheme’s scope to cover a wider range of courses and disciplines to ensure broader access to higher education for students with disabilities.
2. Low Uptake and Awareness Challenges
Historically, the scheme has faced the challenge of a low number of applications relative to the available scholarships (which was initially limited to 1,000 per annum, but has seen revisions). Despite initial publicity, there remains an issue with the comprehensive awareness of the scheme, particularly among students from remote, rural, or less connected areas. Earlier, criteria like mandatory admission through Centralised Counselling also contributed to low application numbers. While this restriction was removed, other bureaucratic and awareness hurdles persist.
3. Stringent and Complex Documentation/Eligibility Criteria
The application process is often complicated by strict and sometimes difficult-to-meet documentary requirements, leading to high rejection rates during verification.
- Disability Certificate Rigor: Applicants must possess a minimum of 40% disability, certified by a competent medical authority. This minimum requirement, while ensuring aid goes to those with significant needs, may exclude students with milder impairments who could still greatly benefit from the financial support.
- Income Certificate Verification: Issues frequently arise regarding the annual family income certificate (currently capped at ₹8 lakh per annum). Reasons for rejection often include:
- Submitting an outdated certificate.
- Certificate not being in the name of the applicant or a family member.
- Certificate not being issued by the competent authority (Tehsildar, Magistrate, etc.) or lacking their signature/stamp.
- Academic Progression Clause: The condition that a candidate who fails or drops out in a subsequent year forfeits the scholarship can be particularly harsh, as specially-abled students may face unique and unpredictable challenges that lead to academic breaks or difficulties.
4. Financial Discrepancies and Inadequate Coverage
While the scholarship amount is a substantial ₹50,000 per annum, which is provided as a lump sum, it may not cover all essential expenses.
- Non-Coverage of Key Expenses: The scholarship amount is a single lump sum intended for college fees, computer purchase, books, and equipment. However, it does not cover crucial expenses like hostel charges and medical charges, which are often significant for students with disabilities.
- The Need for Specialized Aids: While the lump sum can be used for software/equipment, the actual cost of specialized assistive devices, mobility aids, and specific software for visually or hearing-impaired students can be very high, potentially exhausting the annual grant quickly.
5. Implementation and Technical Hurdles
Technical issues on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and verification delays often complicate the process.
- Verification Delays: Late application verification by institutions and various nodal officers can lead to significant delays in the disbursement of funds, causing financial strain on the students who need the aid immediately for fee payment.
- Technical Glitches: Applicants frequently face technical problems while uploading documents, which are then rejected for being “blurred” or “inaccessible.”
Addressing these emerging and structural issues through simplified processes, expanded coverage, and robust awareness campaigns is crucial to ensure the Saksham Scholarship Scheme truly achieves its goal of providing equitable opportunities for specially-abled students in India.
Way Forward
While the scheme has made significant strides in providing support, ensuring its continued effectiveness and broader reach requires a proactive approach. This involves strategic enhancements to the scheme’s scope, administration, awareness, and long-term impact.
1. Enhancing Financial Scope and Coverage
- Periodical Review of Assistance Amount: The fixed amount of ₹50,000 per annum, while substantial, should be periodically reviewed and increased to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of technical education, including specialized assistive technologies or adaptive equipment often required by specially-abled students.
- Differentiated Support for High-Cost Needs: While the scholarship is a lump sum, a provision to allocate a higher portion specifically for assistive technology or specialized educational aids based on the student’s type of disability (e.g., screen readers, specialized software, hearing aids) could be beneficial.
- Income Ceiling Revision: The current family income limit of ₹8 lakh per annum should be reviewed. Increasing this ceiling, or establishing a more flexible slab-based system, could allow more students from middle-class families who still face financial hurdles to benefit.
2. Streamlining Administration and Outreach
The efficiency of the scheme hinges on a smooth application and disbursement process. Improvements in this area are paramount.
- Simplified National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Process: While the NSP provides a centralized platform, efforts should focus on simplifying the application and renewal process. Clearer guidelines, reduced requirement for repetitive documentation, and faster verification cycles by institutions and state authorities would reduce bottlenecks.
- Proactive Awareness Campaigns: Many eligible candidates, especially in rural or remote areas, may not be aware of the scheme. Targeted and sustained awareness campaigns using regional media, local government bodies, and NGOs specializing in disability rights are necessary.
- Institutional Capacity Building: AICTE should ensure that all approved institutions have a designated Nodal Officer trained specifically to handle Saksham Scholarship applications and renewals efficiently, and to provide the necessary support to the students.
3. Expanding the Scope of Inclusivity
To truly create an equitable environment, the scheme’s focus should broaden beyond just financial aid.
- Support for Non-Technical Courses: While the current focus on technical education is important, a future expansion could consider including other professional courses where specially-abled students show promise, thereby widening the academic opportunities available to them.
- Focus on Employability and Skills: The “Way Forward” must link scholarship recipients with career opportunities. This could involve:
- Mandatory Skill Training: Incorporating mandatory training modules focused on market-relevant soft skills, digital literacy, and interview techniques.
- Internship and Placement Support: Establishing a framework for reserved or dedicated internship and placement drives in collaboration with industry partners committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Incentivizing Inclusive Infrastructure: The scholarship’s success is tied to the learning environment. AICTE could explore linking certain institutional benefits or providing grants to colleges that demonstrably improve their physical and digital accessibility for students with disabilities.
4. Robust Monitoring and Evaluation
Data-driven decision-making is essential for the long-term sustainability and optimization of the scheme.
- Impact Assessment: Regular, independent third-party audits and impact assessments should be conducted to evaluate the scheme’s effectiveness. This assessment should track key metrics like the pass-out rate, employability rate, and overall satisfaction of the beneficiaries.
- Feedback Mechanism: A dedicated and easily accessible feedback and grievance redressal mechanism should be established on the NSP and AICTE website to allow students to report issues and suggest improvements directly.
In conclusion, the Saksham Scholarship Scheme is a powerful testament to the government’s commitment to empowerment and equal opportunity. By implementing these strategic enhancements, the scheme can significantly strengthen India’s human capital, allowing specially-abled students to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s technological and economic growth.
References
About the Contributor:
Madhu Swaraj is a Research Intern at IMPRI.
Acknowledgement: The author extends sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team for their expert guidance and constructive feedback throughout the process.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organization.
