Free Supply of Note Books to the Children of Poor Widows is a welfare scheme of the Tamil Nadu government that gives free notebooks to children of poor widows and to children living in government homes. Students from 1st to 12th standard get study material support every academic year, which helps low income families cut down on education costs.
The scheme is run by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department of Tamil Nadu, earlier known as the Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department. It covers children studying up to higher secondary level, including those in government children homes and service homes, so that money problems do not come in the way of schooling.
Free Supply of Note Books to the Children of Poor Widows
Under this scheme, notebooks are handed over free to eligible students at the start of the academic year. The value of the books depends on the class the child is studying in. The department keeps the scheme going year after year so that widow mothers do not have to worry about buying notebooks for their children.
Children of poor widows across Tamil Nadu are the main beneficiaries. Students living in government children homes and service homes are also covered, since these children often have no one else to support their studies.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Free Supply of Note Books to the Children of Poor Widows |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Social welfare, Women and Child, Education |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Main Department | Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department |
Benefits
Eligible students get notebooks free at the beginning of the academic year. The amount is fixed on the basis of the standard the child is studying in, as shown below.
| Standard Level | Annual Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st to 2nd Standard | ₹50 |
| 3rd to 5th Standard | ₹125 |
| 6th to 8th Standard | ₹175 |
| 9th to 10th Standard | ₹300 |
| 11th to 12th Standard | ₹600 |
Eligibility
To get the benefit, the applicant should be a child of a poor widow and should be studying in a school. The family income limit is an important condition for this scheme.
- The applicant should be a child of a poor widow.
- The child should be an active student currently enrolled in school.
- The child should be studying up to the higher secondary level.
- Total family income should not cross ₹24,000 per year. For example, if Meena's mother is a widow and the total household earnings are under ₹24,000, Meena qualifies for this support.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
STEP 1 - Visit the District Social Welfare Officer, the Extension Officer (Social Welfare), or the Rural Welfare Officer (Women) during office hours and collect the official application form.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the personal and academic details carefully in the form and attach the required self attested documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application along with the certificates to the same officer from whom the form was collected.
STEP 4 - Ask for a receipt or acknowledgment slip that shows the submission date and a unique reference number for records.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying for the scheme.
- Widow certificate of the parent.
- Certificate confirming residency in a government children home or service home, if applicable.
- Recommendation certificate from the school headmaster or headmistress stating the current class.
- Other identity documents asked by the department.
References
Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Tamil Nadu
FAQ's
What is the main aim of this scheme?
The aim is to give free notebooks to children of poor widows studying up to the higher secondary level so that their education continues without money problems.
Are children in government homes eligible?
Yes, children living in government children homes and service homes are also covered under the scheme.
When are the benefits given?
Notebooks are given to students at the beginning of the academic year.
Is there an age limit?
No, there is no fixed age limit for children to get this benefit.
Who can be contacted for more details?
The District Social Welfare Officer, the Extension Officer (Social Welfare), or the Rural Welfare Officer (Women) in the area can be contacted.
How long does the application process take?
Applications are usually processed at the start of each academic year.
How can a grievance be reported?
Grievances can be reported to the District Collector or the District Social Welfare Officer of the district.
Who handles state level issues?
State level issues can be reported to the Director of Social Welfare, Chepauk, Chennai 600 005.
What is the income limit?
Family income should not cross ₹24,000 per year.
What school documents are required?
A recommendation certificate signed by the school headmaster or headmistress stating the current class is required.