Bhopal – Thousands of higher education students in Madhya Pradesh are unable to avail the benefits of two major scholarship schemes, Gaon Ki Beti and Pratibha Kiran, initiated by the state government. The Department of Higher Education has a provision to provide a monthly scholarship of ₹500 to girls pursuing graduation after 12th grade under these schemes. The objective is to encourage both rural and urban girls to pursue higher education. However, despite this, the scholarship amount has not been deposited in the bank accounts of more than 34,000 girls.

Although the objectives of these schemes are commendable, their implementation has not been entirely successful. Records have not yet been prepared in new districts like Mauganj, Pandhurna, and Maihar. As a result, the applications of 30,461 girls are pending, and they have not received their scholarships.

The situation in Niwari district is even more concerning, where not a single application has been submitted. Furthermore, under the Pratibha Kiran scheme, 11,235 girls had applied, but 3,907 girls have not received the benefits until last year.

To address this situation, the Department of Higher Education has now requested reports from principals of all government colleges in the state. These reports are necessary to determine why the students have not been able to benefit from the scheme and how it can be implemented effectively. The government is also considering extending these schemes to girls studying in private colleges, but no concrete decision has been made on this yet.

Purpose and Benefits of the Schemes

The objective of these schemes run by the state government is to inspire girls to pursue higher education. The Gaon Ki Beti scheme benefits those girls who live in rural areas and have secured first division in their 12th-grade exams.

The Pratibha Kiran scheme is designed for girls from urban areas who live below the poverty line (BPL) and are pursuing higher education. Under these schemes, each student receives a monthly scholarship of ₹500, which amounts to ₹5,000 annually.

How to Avail the Scheme's Benefits

Girls can follow these steps to avail the benefits of these schemes:

1. Application Process: Every year, the Department of Higher Education announces the date for scholarship applications. During this time, students must apply on the scholarship portal.

2. Principal's Approval: The student's application is approved by the principal of the respective college.

3. Funds Deposit: After approval, the scholarship amount is directly deposited into the student’s bank account.

This is an incentive scheme, so beneficiaries can also avail benefits from other government schemes.

Eligibility Criteria for the Schemes

Gaon Ki Beti Scheme

• The applicant must be a resident of a village.

• She must have secured at least 60% marks in the 12th-grade examination.

• She should be pursuing graduation from a government, private college, or university.

Pratibha Kiran Scheme

• The applicant must be a resident of an urban area.

• Her name must be listed as living below the poverty line (BPL).

• She must have secured at least 60% marks in the 12th-grade examination from an urban school.

• She should be pursuing graduation from a government, private college, or university.