A new government scheme is available for students from families holding a BPL ration card. This scheme, known as the Mera Desh Mere Liye Yojana, provides a monthly allowance to support the education of children in government schools. This benefit is exclusively for BPL card holders; those without a BPL ration card are not eligible.
Understanding the BPL Ration Card
The term BPL stands for “Below Poverty Line.” The BPL card is issued by the government to families living below the poverty line. The colors of these cards can vary by state, with some being yellow or pink.
The government has set an income criterion to define the poverty line. Families with a total annual income of less than ₹1,20,000 are considered to be living below the poverty line. In some states, this income limit is increased to ₹1,80,000 by the state government. These families are eligible for a BPL ration card, which allows them to receive benefits like subsidized wheat, rice, and millet.
About the Monthly Allowance Scheme
The Mera Desh Mere Liye Yojana is a monthly allowance program designed for students from BPL families. This scheme aims to encourage and support the education of children from economically weaker backgrounds by providing them with a regular financial stipend.
Eligibility for the Scheme
To benefit from this program, the following conditions must be met:
- The student’s family must have a valid BPL ration card.
- The student must be enrolled in a government school.
Students in government schools already receive free education, and this scheme provides an additional financial incentive to encourage them to continue their studies.
Monthly Allowance Amounts
The allowance amount varies based on the student’s class and gender.
For students in Class 1 to 5:
- Boys: ₹75 per month.
- Girls: ₹150 per month.
For students in Class 6 to 8:
- Boys: ₹100 per month (totaling ₹1,200 annually).
- Girls: ₹200 per month (totaling ₹2,400 annually).
This financial assistance is disbursed quarterly, meaning the funds are deposited once every three months, totaling four payments per year.
How to Apply for the Scheme
There are two primary ways to apply for the Mera Desh Mere Liye Yojana:
- Contact Education Officials: You can visit the office of the District Education Officer (DEO) or the Block Education Officer (BEO) to fill out the application form.
- Through the School: In most cases, you will not need to go anywhere. The forms for this scheme are typically available at the government schools. The teachers themselves will fill out and submit the application for eligible students. You can simply speak with your child’s teacher to ensure their form is completed.
