Swami Vivekanand Scholarship for Technical Diploma in Professional Courses 2026

This scheme supports non-governmental organizations (NGOs) running schools to provide quality education and opportunities for students from Read More... Scheduled Caste communities in underserved areas. Read less

Details

The Indian government, through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has introduced a significant initiative called SHRESHTA (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas). Under its 'Mode 2', the focus is on empowering students from Scheduled Caste (SC) communities by partnering with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that run quality residential and non-residential schools.

What Is This Scheme?

SHRESHTA Mode 2 aims to bridge the educational gap in areas with a high SC population but limited educational facilities. It provides financial aid to NGOs to offer good education and living facilities to SC students. This helps ensure that students from these communities get access to quality schooling and a better future, regardless of their background.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The primary beneficiaries are students belonging to the Scheduled Caste community who are enrolled in schools operated by eligible Non-Governmental Organizations under this scheme. The scheme also supports the NGOs themselves by providing them with grant-in-aid to run and improve their educational institutions.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme is crucial for uplifting the educational status of Scheduled Caste students. By supporting NGOs, it leverages existing infrastructure and community reach to deliver education effectively. It focuses on service-deficient areas, ensuring that disadvantaged students receive the attention and resources they need to succeed academically and personally.

Objective

This scheme supports non-governmental organizations (NGOs) running schools to provide quality education and opportunities for students from Scheduled Caste communities in underserved areas.

Benefits

A monthly stipend of ₹400 for 12 months for the ITI and professional courses.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

For Organizations

Must be a recognized school chain, CSR foundation, or reputable organization with a focus on quality education.
Must be registered and actively working in the school education sector.
Schools must be recognized by the State Government and affiliated with State or Central Boards.
Must have a clearly defined written Constitution for its Managing Committee.
Needs to possess an appropriate administrative structure and a duly constituted Managing or Executive Committee.
Must be self-initiated and governed by its members on democratic principles.
Must operate as a non-profit entity.
Should maintain its own website for proactive information disclosure.
Must be registered on the Non-Governmental Organization Darpan portal of NITI Aayog.
Should have a history of receiving Grant-in-aid and demonstrating satisfactory performance.
Must offer classes up to at least Class 12th.
Organizations running primary schools (Classes 1st to 8th) must upgrade to Secondary or Senior Secondary Schools (up to Class 10th or higher) before 2027.

For Students

Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
Must be admitted to schools run by eligible Non-Governmental Organizations under this scheme.

Infrastructure Requirements

Adequate classrooms for each class or section.
Sufficient benches, desks, chairs, and tables for all students.
A decent cot and bed for every child in residential facilities.
Proper lighting and fans in every classroom and residential room.
Female staff, wardens, and security personnel for girls' residential schools with adequate safety measures.
Toilets and bathrooms at a ratio of 1 for every 10 children, maintained in hygienic condition.
Hygienic kitchen and dining areas.
Provision of nutritious and sufficient food thrice daily with proper record maintenance.
Clean and safe drinking water facilities.
Arrangement for regular doctor visits with records and availability of first-aid and emergency medicines.
Provision of 4 sets of uniforms, including shoes, per year per student with distribution records.
Availability of games, sports facilities, physical education, yoga, and a playground.
Installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras linked to the website for live streaming.
Aadhaar-based attendance system integrated with the central portal.

School Performance Standards

Class 10th and 12th pass percentages must be at least equal to the average Board results in the State or Central Board.
Must employ qualified and well-trained teachers as per State or Central Board standards.
Teachers in High Schools must hold at least a graduate degree in their subject and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) qualification.
Minimum of 6 teachers are required in a school and at least 2 teachers in a hostel.
Teachers and staff must be paid honorariums on time, as per the minimum rates prevailing in the district.

How To Apply

The application process is primarily managed through the e-Anudaan portal. NGOs interested in participating in the scheme need to apply online. The portal typically opens around April for renewal students and remains open until June for fresh student admissions. Applicants must ensure all required documents are submitted within the stipulated timeframe.

For further details and application submission, please visit the official e-Anudaan portal.

Documents Required

Organizations need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents for application and fund release.

For Application Stage

Project Specific Identification Number from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Details of the Project Name and Location.
Name of the Non-Governmental Organization (as per template).
Budget Estimates for the relevant Financial Year.
Annual Report with performance and statistical data from the previous year.
Utilization Certificate of the last released Grant (in GFR 12A Format).
Audited or Unaudited Accounts for the previous year, detailing expenditure on sanctioned items versus the grant received.
Recognition Certificate from the State Government's Education Department.
Affiliation Certificate to a State or Central Board of Education (for High Schools).
Registration Certificate of the Organization.
Non-Governmental Organization Darpan Portal Registration Certificate.
Constitution Document of the Managing Committee.
Proof of Non-Profit Entity Registration.
Website Link for Pro-Active Disclosure of Information.
Bank Account Details under Joint Operation.
Agreement Bond in the prescribed proforma (before fund receipt).

For Fund Release

Recommendation from the State Government or Union Territory Administration (if available before June 30th).
Physical Inspection Report from the Programme Management Unit.
Executed Agreement Bond in the prescribed proforma.
Bank Account Details at the Project Location (if headquarters is not at the project site).

For Continuation/Renewal

Updated Performance Data on the E-Anudaan Portal.
Utilization Certificate as per General Financial Rules provisions.
Audited Statement of Accounts along with the Utilization Certificate.
Asset Register in the General Financial Rules prescribed proforma.
Statement detailing equipment, machinery, and furniture purchased with grant-in-aid.
Attendance Records and evidence from Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) recordings.
Records of Doctor Visits and maintenance of medical facilities.
Records of Uniform Distribution.
Records of Food Distribution.

FAQ’s

What type of organizations are eligible to receive grant-in-aid for running schools under this educational assistance program?

The organization must be a reputed school chain, Corporate Social Responsibility foundation, or reputed organization running good quality schools recognized by the State Government and affiliated to State or Central Boards. Additionally, the organization must be registered on the Non-Governmental Organization Darpan portal of National Institution for Transforming India Aayog.

How much financial assistance can our organization receive per Scheduled Caste student annually for residential school operations?

For primary level residential schools, organizations receive ₹44,000/- per Scheduled Caste student per year, while for secondary level residential schools, the assistance is ₹55,000/- per Scheduled Caste student per year.

What happens if the attendance of Scheduled Caste students in our school falls below 75% during inspection?

If attendance is between 50% to less than 75%, you will receive 75% of the grant amount. If attendance is between 25% to less than 50%, only 50% grant will be provided. If attendance falls below 25% without valid grounds, no grant-in-aid will be released.

Are there any additional non-recurring grants available for infrastructure development and how frequently can we apply for them?

Yes, non-recurring grants are available every 5 years for infrastructure items. For example, a secondary residential school accommodating 100 students can receive ₹3,85,000/- for fixed items plus ₹900/- per student for items like furniture, bedding material, laboratory equipment, and Closed Circuit Television installation.

What minimum academic performance standards must our school maintain to continue receiving grant-in-aid under this program?

Your school must maintain Class 10th and Class 12th pass percentage that is not less than the average Board result of the respective State or Central Board. Teachers must also be qualified graduates with Bachelor of Education qualification for high schools.

Do we need to maintain separate financial accounts for the grants received and what are the auditing requirements?

Yes, you must maintain separate accounts for grants received under this program, which shall always be open for inspection by Government officers or Comptroller and Auditor General. You must also submit audited statement of accounts with utilization certificate after each financial year closure.

What infrastructure facilities are mandatory for residential schools to qualify for grant-in-aid and maintain funding eligibility?

Essential infrastructure includes one classroom per class, adequate furniture for all students, one decent cot and bed per child, proper lighting and fans, hygienic toilets at ratio of 1:10 children, hygienic kitchen and dining facilities, clean drinking water, medical facilities with regular doctor visits, and Closed Circuit Television installation with live streaming capability.

How many installments will our organization receive annually and what is the process for fund release?

Grants are released in three installments per year after submission of complete proposal and Programme Management Unit inspection report. Funds are transferred electronically directly to your organization's bank account through the e-Anudaan portal.

What are the consequences if our organization provides false information or fails to comply with the terms and conditions?

If false information is provided or unethical practices are found, your organization will be blacklisted and this information will be communicated to National Institution for Transforming India Aayog for removal from Non-Governmental Organization Darpan portal. You may also be required to refund grants with 12% interest.

Can organizations charging any fees from beneficiary students still qualify for grant-in-aid under this educational support program?

No capitation fees or donations can be charged from beneficiaries. If any fee is collected, it must be declared in accounts furnished to the Ministry and the corresponding amount will be deducted from the admissible grant-in-aid amount.

What is the deadline for submitting applications on the e-Anudaan portal and when does the application window open?

The e-Anudaan portal opens tentatively on 1st April every year for entry of renewal students and remains open till 30th June for entry of fresh students. All required documents and student details must be submitted within this timeframe.

Are there any specific teacher qualification requirements and minimum staffing norms that must be maintained throughout the program duration?

Teachers in high schools must be at least graduates in their respective fields with Bachelor of Education qualification. The minimum number of teachers must not be less than 6 in a school and not less than 2 in a hostel, with honorariums paid as per minimum district rates.