The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced that differently-abled students can apply for scholarships under the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) for the academic year 2013-14.
The NHFDC has two scholarship schemes, one offering 1,500 scholarships under the trust fund and 500 scholarships under the national fund. These scholarships are for differently-abled (40 per cent and above) students for pursuing professional courses.
Under the trust fund scholarship scheme, a student is required to send an advance copy online to the NHFDC (www.nhfdc.nic.in) and a hardcopy to the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC), Red Cross Bhawan, Sector-12, Faridabad-121007, along with requisite documents, including a disability certificate.
Under this scheme, total non-refundable fee is reimbursed as applicable to government institutions. In addition, maintenance and books and stationery allowance up to Rs.31,000 for graduate courses and Rs.40,000 for post graduate courses are also allowed.
“A one-time financial assistance will also be provided for purchase of aids and appliances for these students. This scheme is restricted to students whose total family income is not more than Rs.3 lakh per annum. Students can apply anytime online during the academic year 2013-14 [that is from July 1, 2013, to July 30, 2014]. Even students pursuing correspondence courses are eligible under this scheme,” said a Ministry official.
Under the national fund, 500 scholarships will be awarded to students with disabilities for higher academic, professional or technical courses at the Ph.D/M.Phil/PG Level/Graduate or at Diploma/Certificate level.
“Financial assistance can be given for computer with editing software for blind and deaf graduate and post-graduate students pursuing professional courses and for support access software for those with cerebral palsy. This scholarship scheme is restricted to students whose total family income is up to Rs.1.80 lakh per annum. Applications can be made online from July 1 to August 31,” the Ministry official said.
