Saksham Scheme

The SAKSHAM Scholarship Scheme is an initiative of the Government of India aimed at financially supporting economically weaker, differently-abled students who wish to pursue technical higher education (i.e., diplomas or degrees) in institutions approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The scheme embodies the commitment to inclusive education and skill development for persons with disabilities.

Background

The scheme was launched in the academic year 2014-15 under the aegis of the then Ministry of Human Resource Development (now the Ministry of Education), with the objective of enabling students with disability to enter and succeed in technical education, thereby enhancing their employability and socio-economic participation.

Key Features

• The SAKSHAM scheme offers a one-time scholarship to eligible students towards tuition fees and contingency expenses such as purchase of books, computers, etc.
• Initially the scholarship comprised an amount of ₹ 30,000 for tuition fee reimbursement and an additional ₹ 20,000 as contingency allowance.
• The scheme is restricted to AICTE-approved technical institutes, for students admitted to either degree or diploma courses in engineering and allied disciplines.
• Students must meet the eligibility criteria at the time of entry and apply within the timeline set by the scheme.

Eligibility Criteria

Students may apply for the scholarship if they satisfy all of the following:

• They are citizens of India.
• They have a minimum of 40% disability, certified by a competent medical authority.
• Their annual family income is below a specified threshold (for example in recent updates, up to ₹ 8 lakh per annum).
• They are admitted in the first year of an undergraduate technical degree or diploma course OR for those entering through lateral entry (second year) in a recognised technical institution.
• The institution is approved by AICTE and the programme is full-time.

Benefits Provided

• A sum of scholarship towards tuition fee reimbursement for the duration of the course (subject to maximum years of study).
• A contingency allowance to cover other expenses such as books, software, equipment, computer purchase, etc.
• The aim is to remove financial hurdles for differently-abled students so that they can focus on their studies and training.

Implementation Process

• The scheme is administered through the AICTE under the Ministry of Education.
• Eligible students apply online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the designated platform.
• The selection process involves verifying eligibility (disability certification, family income, institution approval) and then sanctioning the scholarship amount to selected students.
• Funds are released directly to the beneficiary’s bank account or via the institution as per scheme modalities.

Significance

• Promotes inclusive technical education by making higher education accessible for persons with disabilities.
• Helps enhance employability among differently-abled students by enabling them to pursue technical and engineering courses.
• Contributes to social empowerment and economic independence of persons with disability.
• Reinforces the government’s commitment to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in education.

Challenges and Issues

• The number of applications received under the scheme has remained relatively low compared to the eligible population.
• Awareness about the scheme among potential beneficiaries and institutions may be limited in some regions.
• Ensuring that students complete their technical education and transition to employment remains a further challenge beyond the scholarship itself.

Recent Updates

• The scheme rules and amounts were revised to increase support and relax certain criteria, for example making directly-admitted students (not only through centralised counselling) eligible.
• From academic year 2020-21 onwards, the scholarship amount was enhanced (for example up to ₹ 50,000 per annum) for both degree and diploma students, subject to eligibility.
• The family income ceiling and other conditions have been clarified to widen reach.