Government’s Onam gift: Five lakh college girls to receive Rs 1,000 monthly aid

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Over five lakh female college students in Kerala are set to receive monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 as part of a new government scheme announced as an Onam gift. The initiative will benefit students in government and aided colleges across the state.

Students who are already receiving benefits such as scholarships and fellowships will also be included in the scheme. The government is expected to set aside Rs 500-600 crore in the budget for the programme, which will provide Rs 12,000 annually to each student. The financial assistance will be available to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students.

Students studying in self-financing colleges have not been included in the first phase. The government believes that providing benefits to students who pay higher fees for education may lead to objections. Their inclusion will be considered in the next phase. Students pursuing research in universities and colleges who are already receiving grants or fellowships will also be eligible for the Rs 1,000 monthly assistance.

Regular attendance required
Students must maintain regular attendance to receive the monthly amount. Those who discontinue their studies midway will not be eligible for the benefit. Students who secure top ranks and show outstanding academic performance will receive special consideration and will be connected with the government’s job watch tower initiative to help them find employment.

Additional benefits will be provided through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of private companies and organisations, as well as through various private fellowships. The aim is to encourage these students to pursue higher studies. Details of rank holders will be shared through government systems with leading companies and institutions.

“The preliminary steps have already started to implement the Indira Guarantee scheme, which will provide Rs1,000 per month to college students.”

- Roji M. John
Higher Education Minister