Shikshashree Scheme: Education is the cornerstone of a progressive society, and every child, regardless of socio-economic background, deserves equal access to quality learning. In India, social and economic barriers often prevent marginalized communities from continuing their education. Recognizing this, the Government of West Bengal has taken various initiatives to uplift underprivileged students.
One such significant step is the Shikkhashree Scheme, a unique financial assistance scheme aimed at Scheduled Caste (SC) students studying in classes V to VIII. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched this scheme in 2014. Children belonging to the SC/ST communities receive ₹800 per year under this scheme.
What is the Shikkhashree Scheme?
The Shikkhashree Prakalpa is a government-backed financial assistance program launched by the Backward Classes Welfare Department of West Bengal. It was designed to replace the earlier system of providing both stipends and book grants to SC students with a more unified approach.
Under this scheme, students belonging to the Scheduled Caste category and studying in classes V to VIII in any government, government-aided, or government-recognized school are given a direct financial grant every academic year. The amount is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
The scheme not only aims to ease the financial burden of education for poor SC families but also promotes regular school attendance and discourages early school dropouts.
Who is Eligible to Apply for Shikshashree Scheme?
- Caste Criteria:
The student must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category and should possess a valid SC certificate issued by a competent authority in West Bengal. - Class/Grade Level:
The applicant must be studying in classes V to VIII in any recognized school within the state. - Parental Income Limit:
The annual family income of the student’s parents or guardians must not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh. - Type of Institution:
The student must be enrolled in a government school, government-aided school, or a recognized school approved by the government. - Bank Account:
The student or their parent/guardian must have an active bank account in the name of the student, preferably linked to Aadhaar, for receiving the DBT amount. - Regular Attendance:
Students must maintain a minimum level of attendance, as required by the school authorities, to remain eligible.
Required Documents to Apply Shikshashree Scheme
- Caste Certificate (SC) – Issued by the competent authority of the state.
- Income Certificate – Declaring the annual income of the family.
- Photocopy of School Identity Card – Or a certificate from the school principal/headmaster.
- Bank Passbook Copy – Showing the account number and IFSC code.
- Aadhaar Card – Of the student (or guardian, if applicable).
- Passport-size Photograph – Recent color photograph of the student.
- Domicile Certificate/Residential Proof – To establish that the student resides in West Bengal.
Having these documents ready beforehand speeds up the application process and ensures a hassle-free experience.
Process to Apply for the Shikshashree Scheme
Step 1: Collect the Application Form
Students or parents can collect the Shikkhashree Application Form from the head of their school or download it from the official website of the Backward Classes Welfare Department of West Bengal.
Step 2: Fill in the Required Details
Carefully fill in all necessary information such as name, class, school name, caste, income details, and bank account information.
Step 3: Attach Required Documents
Affix the passport-size photograph and attach photocopies of all necessary documents mentioned earlier.
Step 4: Submit to the School
Submit the filled form along with the documents to the school authorities or the designated Nodal Officer of the institution.
Step 5: Verification and Forwarding
The school verifies the application and forwards it to the Block/ District Welfare Officer for further processing and sanction.
Step 6: DBT Transfer
Once approved, the sanctioned amount is directly credited to the bank account of the student through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Note: Some schools or blocks may implement online data entry at the institution level. In such cases, parents may be assisted during the process.
How to Get Updates
Students or their parents can stay updated about their application status and scheme-related announcements through the following means:
- Official Website:
Visit the Backward Classes Welfare Department website regularly for official notifications, form downloads, and updates.
- Local School Authorities:
Most schools have a dedicated nodal teacher or coordinator for government schemes. They can provide real-time updates about the application status.
- Block/District Welfare Office:
Visit the concerned office to inquire about application processing, approval status, and disbursement details.
- SMS Alerts:
In some cases, the government sends SMS alerts to the registered mobile number once the DBT amount is credited.
- Check Bank Account:
Students or parents should regularly check their bank accounts to confirm receipt of the stipend.
- Notice Boards:
Schools may display the beneficiary list and disbursement updates on the school notice board.
Conclusion
The Shikshashree Scheme stands as a commendable effort by the Government of West Bengal to bring socio-educational equality and empower students from marginalized Scheduled Caste communities. By offering financial assistance to children at the early stage of education, the scheme addresses one of the key reasons behind school dropouts—poverty.
This initiative not only supports individual students but also contributes to building a more inclusive and educated society. When children from disadvantaged backgrounds are given equal opportunities to learn and grow, it strengthens the foundation of the entire community.
In the long run, schemes like Shikshashree Scheme will play a vital role in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Parents of eligible students should come forward, apply on time, and take full advantage of this scheme to shape a better future for their children.
Some important links of Shikshashree Scheme:
| Official website link ofShikshashree Scheme | Click Here |
| Shikshashri Scheme Application Bengali Form Download Link | Click Here |
| Shikshashri Scheme Application Bengali Form Download Link | Click Here |
| Rules for Scheduled Castes for Application of Shikshashree Scheme | Click Here |
| Rules for Scheduled Tribes for Shikshashree Scheme Application | Click Here |
