Pre-Matric Scholarship for Backward Class Students in Madhya Pradesh: A Step Towards Educational Equality

Education is the most powerful tool for social change. In a diverse country like India, where socio-economic inequalities often determine a child’s access to schooling, the government plays a crucial role in ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial hardship.

One such initiative is the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Backward Class Students, implemented by the Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh. This scheme targets school-going children from backward classes who are studying at the pre-matriculation level (classes 6th to 10th).

The idea is simple yet transformative: provide monthly financial assistance to these students so that they can continue their studies without the fear of financial burden. By reducing dropout rates and encouraging continuity in education, the scheme contributes to both social equity and long-term economic growth.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Pre-Matric Scholarship for Backward Class Students was launched with a set of clear goals:

1. Promoting Education – Encourage children from backward classes to pursue schooling without financial barriers.
2. Reducing Dropout Rates – Many students drop out after primary school due to expenses; the scholarship ensures continuity.
3. Encouraging Girls’ Education – By providing slightly higher scholarships to girls, the scheme addresses gender disparities.
4. Social Inclusion – Integrating backward class communities into the mainstream educational system.
5. Empowering Families – Relieving poor families from the burden of educational expenses and motivating them to support their children’s education.

Scope and Coverage

The scheme is state-wide, covering the entire state of Madhya Pradesh. It is individual in nature, meaning scholarships are awarded to students directly rather than institutions.

Every eligible student studying in classes 6th to 10th in recognized schools within Madhya Pradesh can benefit, provided they meet the income and land-ownership criteria.

Scholarships are provided for 10 months in an academic year and are paid in one installment every year on 30th September.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship amount varies according to the class and gender of the student.

Classes 6th to 8th

• Boys: ₹20 per month
• Girls: ₹30 per month

Classes 9th to 10th

• Boys: ₹30 per month
• Girls: ₹40 per month

Payment Structure

• Scholarship is granted for 10 months per academic year.
• The total annual scholarship is credited in a single installment (for example, ₹200 for boys in classes 6–8 and ₹300 for girls in the same category).

Why Girls Get Higher Amounts?

The differential amount is a deliberate policy choice to encourage girls’ education, recognising that dropout rates are often higher among girls due to social and economic pressures.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure that the scheme reaches the truly deserving, the government has laid down specific conditions:

1. Educational Qualification – The applicant must be studying in classes 6th to 10th.
2. Parental Income – Parents/guardians should not be income taxpayers.
3. Land Ownership – Parents/guardians should not own more than 10 acres of land.
4. Domicile – The student should be a resident of Madhya Pradesh and belong to a backward class.

These criteria target economically weaker families who are most likely to need support.

Application Process

The application process is offline, keeping in mind accessibility for rural students and families who may not be digitally equipped.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Obtain the Application Form

• The student must approach the Head of the Educational Institution where he/she is enrolled.
• The prescribed application form is provided free of cost.

Step 2: Fill the Form

• Enter personal details, school information, and bank details carefully.
• Affix a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required).

Step 3: Attach Required Documents

• Self-attested copies of mandatory documents must be attached.

Step 4: Submission

• Submit the filled form along with documents to the school authority within the stipulated timeline.

Step 5: Acknowledgement

• Collect a receipt or acknowledgement with details like date, time, and application number for future tracking.

Important Note:

Applications must be submitted within the prescribed period; late applications may not be accepted.

Documents Required

To verify eligibility, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Caste Certificate – Proof of belonging to a backward class.
2. Income Certificate – To confirm that the family is not paying income tax.
3. Land Ownership Proof – Showing less than 10 acres of land.
4. Bank Account Details – For direct transfer of scholarship amount.
5. Application Form – Duly filled in the prescribed format.
6. Bonafide Certificate / Proof of Admission – Issued by the school.
7. Proof of Age / Date of Birth – Birth certificate or school records.
8. Academic Records – If applicable, to ensure continuous enrollment.

Impact on Education and Society

The scholarship has both immediate and long-term benefits:

• Short-term Relief: Reduces the burden of school-related expenses like stationery, notebooks, and uniforms.
• Reduced Dropouts: Encourages students to remain in school at least till matriculation.
• Girls’ Empowerment: By offering higher amounts, the scheme motivates families to educate daughters.
• Social Mobility: Education improves future job prospects and uplifts backward class communities.
• Economic Impact: By investing in education, the state ensures a more skilled workforce in the future.

Special Focus on Girls’ Education

One of the most significant aspects of this scheme is the extra financial support for girls. While the difference may appear small, in socio-economically weaker households, this serves as an incentive to continue sending daughters to school rather than pulling them out for domestic responsibilities or early marriage.

This aligns with India’s broader “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” vision, ensuring gender equality in education.

Challenges in Implementation

Like any welfare scheme, this scholarship faces certain challenges:

1. Awareness Gap – Many families in rural areas are not aware of the scholarship.
2. Bureaucratic Delays – Processing at the institutional and departmental level can delay disbursement.
3. Low Scholarship Amount – Inflation and rising educational costs mean the amount may seem insufficient today.
4. Offline Application Mode – Lack of online facilities may inconvenience some applicants in urban areas.
5. Verification Hurdles – Collecting income and land records can sometimes be difficult for poor families.

Addressing these issues with digitalization, awareness campaigns, and periodic revision of scholarship amounts can make the scheme even more impactful.

Real-Life Illustrations

Example 1: Raju from Chhindwara

Raju, a class 7 boy from a farming family, benefits from the scholarship. His parents own less than 5 acres of land and struggle with seasonal income. The ₹200 annual scholarship may seem small, but it helps cover his notebooks and exam fees, ensuring he stays in school.

Example 2: Sita from Gwalior

Sita, a class 9 student, receives ₹400 annually. Her family initially planned to stop her education after class 8, but the additional scholarship for girls motivated her parents to continue her schooling. She now dreams of becoming a teacher.

These stories demonstrate how even modest financial assistance can create meaningful educational opportunities.

Future Outlook

The scheme is expected to evolve in the coming years:

• Digital Integration – Moving toward online applications for efficiency.
• Increased Scholarship Amounts – Adjusting financial assistance with inflation.
• Wider Coverage – Extending benefits to other categories of disadvantaged students.
• Awareness Campaigns – Ensuring every eligible student knows about and avails the scheme.