Supporting the education and development of girls is a cornerstone of creating a more equitable society. Initiatives like the Kanya Sumangala Yojana and Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students are two remarkable programmes in India that aim to empower girls by addressing their financial and educational needs. This article delves into the eligibility and benefits of both schemes, providing a comparative analysis to help families understand their scope and advantages.
What is the Kanya Sumangala Yojana?
The Kanya Sumangala Yojana is a government scheme introduced by the Uttar Pradesh government to promote the welfare of girl children. It aims to alleviate the financial burden on families by offering financial assistance at different stages of a girl’s life, from birth to higher education.
Key Objectives of Kanya Sumangala Yojana
- Encourage education for girls: The scheme provides monetary support to ensure that families can educate their daughters.
- Reduce gender disparity: By addressing financial constraints, it encourages families to invest in their daughters’ future.
- Curb child marriage: Promoting higher education helps delay early marriages.
Eligibility Criteria for Kanya Sumangala Yojana
Families must meet the following criteria to avail themselves of the scheme:
- Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh.
- Family Income: The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹3 lakh.
- Number of Children: The benefits are limited to two girls per family.
- Girl’s Education Stage: Assistance is granted at specific stages such as birth, primary schooling, secondary schooling, and graduation.
Additionally, the family must not own more than two hectares of agricultural land.
Benefits of Kanya Sumangala Yojana
The scheme disburses financial aid in six phases:
- At birth: ₹2,000 is given to the family upon the birth of a girl child.
- Vaccination stage: ₹1,000 is provided for completing one year of age along with required immunisation.
- Class 1 admission: ₹2,000 is granted when the girl is enrolled in Class 1.
- Class 6 enrolment: ₹2,000 is issued for admission to Class 6.
- Class 9 enrolment: ₹3,000 is provided when the girl reaches Class 9.
- Higher education: A sum of ₹5,000 is given to support undergraduate education or vocational training.
In total, a girl can receive up to ₹15,000 under the scheme, enabling her to pursue education and become self-reliant.
What is the Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students?
The Pragati Scholarship is an initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to promote technical education among girls. This scheme is targeted at young women pursuing technical diplomas or undergraduate courses in engineering and technology.
Key Objectives of Pragati Scholarship
- Empowerment through education: The scholarship aims to enhance the representation of women in technical fields.
- Encourage higher studies: It motivates families to allow their daughters to pursue advanced education.
- Bridge the gender gap: The scheme addresses the underrepresentation of women in technical and professional courses.
Eligibility Criteria for Pragati Scholarship
The eligibility requirements for the Pragati Scholarship are:
- Academic Requirements: The applicant must be enrolled in a technical diploma or undergraduate course in an AICTE-approved institution.
- Family Income: The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
- Quota for Scholarships: Only two girls from a family are eligible to apply.
- Reserved Seats: A specific number of scholarships are reserved for differently-abled candidates.
Additionally, applicants must submit relevant documents, including proof of admission, income certificates, and Aadhaar cards, during the application process.
Benefits of Pragati Scholarship
The Pragati Scholarship provides financial assistance to cover tuition and other education-related expenses:
- Monetary Assistance: A total of ₹50,000 per year is granted for a maximum of four years during the degree programme.
- No Additional Charges: The scholarship is non-refundable and does not require repayment.
- Incentives for Technical Studies: It motivates more girls to choose challenging and lucrative technical careers.
This scheme not only supports education but also fosters confidence in women entering male-dominated fields like engineering and technology.
Comparative Analysis: Kanya Sumangala Yojana vs Pragati Scholarship
| Aspect | Kanya Sumangala Yojana | Pragati Scholarship |
| Target Beneficiaries | Girl children from birth to undergraduate stage | Girls pursuing technical diplomas or degrees |
| Financial Support | ₹15,000 (total across stages) | ₹50,000 per year for up to four years |
| Income Eligibility | ₹3 lakh annually | ₹8 lakh annually |
| Geographical Scope | Uttar Pradesh residents only | Nationwide |
| Focus Areas | General education and welfare | Technical and professional education |
| Application Process | State-specific portal | AICTE online portal |
Benefits to Families and Society
Both schemes serve distinct yet complementary purposes. The Kanya Sumangala Yojana is ideal for low-income families seeking to educate their daughters and provide them with a stable foundation. Pragati Scholarship, on the other hand, is tailored for students aiming for specialised education in technical domains, fostering their career aspirations in highly skilled sectors.
Together, these initiatives can significantly contribute to reducing economic and gender disparities while promoting girls’ empowerment through education.
Conclusion
The Kanya Sumangala Yojana and Pragati Scholarship for Girl Students are transformative initiatives addressing different facets of girl child welfare. While the former ensures holistic support from birth to higher education, the latter paves the way for specialised careers in technical fields. Families can choose the scheme that aligns with their daughters’ educational needs and aspirations, making these programmes pivotal in creating a brighter future for girls in India. Both contribute not only to individual empowerment but also to societal progress, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder a girl’s potential.
