Panaji: State govt has notified a new scheme for grant of a monthly scholarship of over Rs 1,000 as assistance to students with disabilities to pursue their higher, technical or professional education. Students whose family income does not exceed Rs 8 lakh per annum will be eligible for the aid.The scheme will be applicable to all categories of disabilities as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Students with benchmark disability i.e. 40% or more disability can avail benefits of the scheme.Students of Class IX to XII will be paid a monthly scholarship of Rs 900. Undergraduates pursuing BA, BCom, and BSc degrees will receive Rs 1,100 per month. Students pursuing MA, MCom, MSc and other professional courses will be eligible for Rs 1,300 per month.Those pursuing music and vocational courses offered by a recognised board of education or university are also eligible for the scheme.In the case of visually impaired students, a reader’s allowance of Rs 300-600 will be paid monthly, if the disability is certified by the head of the institution.The scheme will even extend an additional Rs 400-500 monthly aid to students residing in a hostel.
