Ashramshalas (Grant in Aid) is a government initiative that provides comprehensive residential education, including boarding and lodging, to Scheduled Tribe students in Gujarat. This scheme ensures that students from financially weaker backgrounds receive free schooling and essential supplies, helping them achieve academic success and competitive equality through an accessible online application process.
Ashramshalas (Grant in Aid) - Introduction
Ashramshalas (Grant in Aid) empowers students from the Scheduled Tribe community by providing a supportive environment for holistic learning. Through this initiative, the Tribal Development Department of Gujarat ensures that financial constraints do not hinder a child's right to quality schooling.
This scheme offers residential facilities where students receive free education, boarding, lodging, books, and daily necessities. by offering 100% grant-in-aid to qualifying Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), this initiative creates a nurturing space for students from standards 1st through 12th to thrive academically and prepare for a brighter professional future.
Key Information
| Key Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ashramshalas (Grant in Aid) |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Target Beneficiaries | Scheduled Tribe students and NGOs |
| Benefit Type | Financial Grant (Cash) |
| Nodal Department | Tribal Development Department |
| Education Coverage | Standards 1st to 12th |
Benefits
Ashramshalas (Grant in Aid) provides significant support to both institutions and students. for example, if a local NGO runs an institution, they receive a financial grant of ₹1,500/- per month for every student enrolled. This grant covers all educational and living expenses.
Students benefit from a completely free-of-cost support system including:
- Free tuition and academic instruction.
- Complimentary boarding and hostel lodging.
- Provision of free books and essential stationery.
- Nutritious food and daily meals.
- Necessary items for daily living.
For instance, if Ravi, a student from a rural tribal village, joins an Ashramshala, he receives everything from his textbooks to his daily meals without his family paying any tuition fees.
Eligibility
To participate in this scheme, institutions and students should meet specific criteria:
For Ashramshala Institutions:
- The organization should be a Non-Governmental Organization working specifically in tribal areas of Gujarat.
- At the time of inception, the institute must enroll at least 15 boys and 15 girls.
- In subsequent years, the institute should maintain a minimum enrollment of 10 boys and 10 girls up to the 7th standard.
- The school should offer education within the required standards (1st to 8th, 9th to 10th, or 11th to 12th).
For Students:
- The student should belong to a Scheduled Tribe community.
- The student should be seeking admission to an authorized Ashramshala from standards 1st to 12th.
Application Process
You should follow these steps to apply for the grant or seek admission:
- Get the Form: Visit the official portal to download the prescribed application format. You may also collect a physical copy from the Tribal Development Department office.
- Prepare the Proposal: Carefully fill in all your details. Create a detailed document covering your organization's infrastructure, staff qualifications, and the proposed plan for providing education and boarding.
- Submit: Submit your completed application along with all supporting documents to the relevant Tribal Development Department office.
- Inspection: The department team will visit your premises to verify the facilities. You should ensure that your school is ready to provide the necessary services. Upon approval, you will receive a formal sanction letter detailing the ₹1,500/- per month per student grant.
Documents
Please keep the following documents ready for your application:
- Registration Certificate of the NGO.
- Recognition Certificate from the relevant Education Authority.
- A verified list of enrolled students, including their Scheduled Tribe certificates.
- Bank account details of the organization for receiving grants.
- Detailed report on infrastructure, such as hostel capacity and classroom sizes.
- Credentials and qualification details of teaching and support staff.
- For renewals, submit the Utilization Certificate of the previous grant.
References
For more information, you can visit the following official resources:
FAQ's
What are the initial enrollment requirements for an institution?
An institution must enroll at least 15 boys and 15 girls during its inception year to qualify for the grant.
Are there any tuition fees for students?
No, the education is provided free of cost, including all boarding, lodging, and books.
How much is the monthly grant per student?
The government provides a grant of ₹1,500/- per month for every enrolled child to cover their expenses.
Who can operate these schools?
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) active in tribal areas are eligible to operate these schools and receive 100% grant-in-aid.
What standards do these schools cover?
The schools cover education from standard 1st to 8th, 9th to 10th (Uttar Buniyadi), and 11th to 12th (Uchchattar Uttar Buniyadi).