AI SummaryAward of Opportunity Cost to Parents of Scheduled Caste Girl Students is a welfare scheme run by Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Government of Puducherry. Under this scheme, SC parents get ₹3,000 per academic year for each daughter studying in classes VI to XII, so that girls can stay in school instead of taking up manual labour. The scheme is listed on the official Puducherry government portal and the department website for 2026 and applications are handled through schools and the department office.
The main aim of the scheme is to cut down girl child labour among Scheduled Caste families. When a girl child attends school, her family loses the income she could have earned from work. This scheme pays for that lost income and makes sure education is not dropped because of money problems.
Award of Opportunity Cost to Parents of Scheduled Caste Girl Students - Introduction
Adi Dravidar Welfare Department of Union Territory of Puducherry runs this scheme as a separate support for families. The payment is treated as opportunity cost, which means the money replaces what the family would have earned if the girl was working. The department releases the amount only after the student is promoted to the next higher class, so regular study and attendance are required.
The scheme is simple in design. Parents of Scheduled Caste girls in Government or Government-recognized schools get direct cash support each academic year. This amount comes in addition to the regular Pre-Matric Scholarship, so families can manage school expenses without sending their daughters to work.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Award of Opportunity Cost to Parents of Scheduled Caste Girl Students |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Category | Education & Learning, Women and Child |
| Benefit Type | Cash Transfer |
| Benefit Amount | ₹3,000 per academic year per girl student |
| Classes Covered | VI to XII |
| Main Department | Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry |
Benefits
This scheme gives direct cash support so families do not lose money when they send their daughters to school. Details of the benefit are given below:
| Benefit Type | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Opportunity Cost | ₹3,000 | Per girl student studying in classes VI to XII |
This amount can be received along with the regular Pre-Matric Scholarship. However, the payment is not made if the student repeats a class because of failure or discontinuance in the previous year, and it is released only after promotion to the next grade.
Eligibility
Check the following points to find out if the student can apply:
- The student should be a girl studying in classes VI to XII at a Government or Government-recognized school in Union Territory of Puducherry.
- Family should belong to Scheduled Caste community.
- Student and parents should be native residents of Puducherry by birth or continuous residence of at least 3 years.
- As per the current official listing of Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, there is no income limit for this scheme.
Payment is released only when the student is officially promoted to the next higher grade.
Application Process
Applications for this scheme are handled through the school and the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department office. The steps are given below:
STEP 1 - Visit the official government website at Puducherry Government Portal and download the scheme details to confirm the current eligibility rules.
STEP 2 - Get the application form from the Head Master or Principal of the school where the girl studies, or from the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department office in the area.
STEP 3 - Fill in the form with correct details of the student and family and attach the required documents listed below.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed form to the school or the department office and collect the acknowledgment copy.
STEP 5 - Keep the acknowledgment safe to track the status. After verification and promotion to the next class, the amount is paid to the bank account of the eligible parent.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before submitting the application:
- Aadhaar Card as proof of identity.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Educational documents, including latest mark sheets.
- Valid Caste certificate.
- Residence-cum-nativity certificate issued by the appropriate authority.
- Updated Bank Account details for payment transfer.
- Income certificate only if the school or department asks for it.
References
The following official resources can be used for more details:
- Official Government Website
- Official Scheme Notification PDF
- Adi Dravidar Welfare Department Scheme Page
FAQ's
What is Award of Opportunity Cost to Parents of Scheduled Caste Girl Students?
It is a welfare scheme of Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry, which pays ₹3,000 per academic year to SC parents for each daughter studying in classes VI to XII, so girls do not have to work to support the family.
What is the primary objective of the scheme?
The main aim is to reduce girl child labour in Scheduled Caste families by paying compensation for the income lost when a girl attends school instead of working.
Who runs this scheme?
Adi Dravidar Welfare Department of Union Territory of Puducherry runs the scheme.
How much amount is given under this scheme?
Eligible parents receive ₹3,000 per academic year for each daughter enrolled in classes VI to XII.
Which students can apply?
Girl students of Scheduled Caste community studying in classes VI to XII in any Government or recognized school in Puducherry can apply.
Is there any income limit for this scheme?
As per the current official listing of the department, there is no income limit for this scheme.
Is the scheme open to non-native residents?
No, the girl student and her parents must be native residents of Puducherry by birth or continuous residence of at least 3 years.
Can my daughter receive other scholarships at the same time?
Yes, this amount is given in addition to the regular Pre-Matric Scholarship.
Are boys eligible for this scheme?
No, this scheme is meant only for girl students.
When does the payment get released?
Payment is released only after the student is officially promoted to the next higher class.
How should I apply for this scheme?
Applications are submitted through the school head or the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department office. Start by checking the official government website for the current scheme details.