For student free-ship cards and scholarships, you can apply online on Dr. Ambedkar portal: Dr. Baljit Kaur

*Says, All educational institutions will admit students with free-ship cards to their institution without charging an admission fee*

*Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is committed to welfare of Scheduled Caste students*

*Chandigarh, September 12*

Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is dedicated to the welfare of Scheduled Caste students. Accordingly, the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for students belonging to Scheduled Castes aims to increase the total enrollment ratio of Scheduled Caste students in higher education.

Divulging in this regard, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the primary goal of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme is to provide assistance to students from extremely poor families to complete higher education. Under this scheme, the Punjab Government is accepting online applications from students who are pursuing higher education after the 10th standard to obtain free-ship cards and apply for scholarships. The Dr. Ambedkar scholarship portal can be accessed at https://scholarships.punjab.gov.in. The Cabinet Minister said that the instructions of the scheme are detailed in the GOI guidelines of March 2021. For technical issues related to the scholarship, you can email pms.dsjem.punjab@gmail.com.

Cabinet Minister added that the applicant should be a resident of the state of Punjab and should belong to a Scheduled Caste. The annual family income of the student’s parent/guardian should not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh, and they should study in a government-recognized or private university/college/school to avail the benefits of this scheme. Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that the Free-Ship Card is issued only to first-year students (Freshers). The procedure for applying for the Free-Ship Card is detailed in the Student Registration and Free-Ship Card Manual in the portal’s help menu. Renewal students do not need to reapply for the scholarship, their applications should be submitted with the Institute ID and they will be automatically generated. Additionally, the applicant’s bank account must be Aadhaar-seeded and in active mode for scholarship payment and the income certificate issued by Tehsildar/NAB Tehsildar will be considered for fresh students.

Minister further informed that all educational institutions will admit students with free-ship cards to their institutions without charging an admission fee. They will also ensure that students apply for the scholarship immediately after admission to the institution. She said that it is necessary for institutions to implement an Aadhaar-based attendance system for the year 2023-24. Each institution shall ensure the establishment of a facility centre to benefit every eligible student of the scheme.
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