Today, India stands precariously on the brink of development in education. Although a significant portion of the population above 25 years is either illiterate or has only completed primary education and just over 10% have completed higher education, in recent years, there are approximately 0.664 million primary schools and 0.219 million upper primary schools across India. Atal Bihari Vajpayee wisely said, “I am convinced that education, especially higher education is that endeavor which will catapult India into a higher orbit of development. It is that undertaking which will, in innumerable tangible and intangible ways, benefit all our other undertakings in diverse development fields.” Actions across sectors in India today boldly echo this sentiment with innumerable efforts to facilitate education for the poor undertaken by intergovernmental bodies and independent organizations striving to bring about ambitious reforms in education.
To accentuate these efforts, HelpLocal presents to you a compilation of 10 Indian sponsorships and government schemes to promote the education of the poor and underprivileged.
Foundation for Excellence
The Foundation for Excellence (FFE) is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to academically gifted students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in India. Since its inception, FFE has awarded over 81,590 scholarships to 28,782 deserving students across 28 states in India, focusing primarily on fields like engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and law. The organization also offers mentoring and employability skills development to its scholars.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (PMUSP) is a government initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education. The scheme offers scholarships to students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines in recognized institutions within India. The objective is to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder talented students from accessing quality education.
Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme
The Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme is an initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to promote higher education among students from the northeastern region of India. The scheme provides financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students from the northeastern states who are pursuing general degree courses, technical and professional courses, including medical and paramedical courses. The scholarship aims to enhance the gross enrollment ratio in the northeastern region and encourage students to pursue higher education.
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are prestigious scholarships that provide funding to Indian students pursuing master’s degrees at select U.S. universities. These fellowships are designed for individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities, have a strong academic background, and are committed to returning to India to contribute to their communities. The fellowship covers tuition, living expenses, and other related costs for the duration of the study.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK government and support Indian students pursuing master’s and doctoral studies in the United Kingdom. These scholarships are awarded to individuals with excellent academic records and the potential to contribute to the development of their home country. The scholarship covers airfare, tuition fees, and living expenses for the duration of the course.
Educational Crisis Scholarship Scheme
The HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship Scheme is an initiative by HDFC Bank to provide financial assistance to students facing a personal or family crisis that could hinder their education. The scholarship is open to students from schools and colleges across India and aims to help them continue their studies without interruption. The selection is based on the severity of the crisis and the student’s academic performance.
FAEA Scholarship for Education
The Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) offers scholarships to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those belonging to SC/ST/BPL categories, to pursue undergraduate studies in India. The scholarship covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other allowances to ensure that students can complete their education without financial hurdles.
Aditya Birla Scholarship
The Aditya Birla Scholarship is an initiative by the Aditya Birla Group to recognize and support outstanding students pursuing studies in engineering, management, and law at select institutions in India. The scholarship covers a significant portion of academic fees and provides opportunities for mentorship and networking within the Aditya Birla Group.
AICTE Pragati Scholarship
The AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls is an initiative to encourage young women to pursue technical education. The scholarship provides financial assistance to female students admitted to AICTE-approved institutions for diploma or degree courses. The aim is to support the education of girls from economically weaker sections and promote gender inclusivity in technical education.
Right to Education ( RTE Act 2009)
This transformative legislation proclaimed education as statutory for children aged 6 to 14. It was enacted to exercise the decree of education as a fundamental human right as guaranteed under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. Compulsory education implies that the government must ensure the enrollment, attendance, and completion of elementary education for all children. It outlined certain significant mandates like:
– Private schools are obliged to reserve 25% of seats for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups.
– Students cannot be held back or fail in any class until they have completed elementary education (Class 8).
– The Act prescribes minimum standards for school infrastructure, teacher-student ratios, and the qualifications and working conditions of teachers.
– It prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment.
– Schools cannot charge capitation fees or conduct admission screening tests for children or parents.
Post-enactment, enrollment rates increased significantly, with a rise of approximately 7% in school attendance as reported by the National Sample Survey (NSS) data post-2008.
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA, 2009)
RMSA was launched in 2009 to achieve universal access to secondary education. Its key objectives include:
– Increasing the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in secondary education.
– Improving the quality of education through better infrastructure, teacher training and curriculum development
– Ensuring gender equity and inclusion for socially disadvantaged groups.
RMSA has facilitated the construction of additional classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and toilet facilities across schools. Reports indicate that over 60,000 new classrooms were constructed under RMSA initiatives. The program additionally emphasizes continuous professional development for teachers. A study indicated that 96% of teachers reported using innovative teaching methods, and 90% noted improved classroom discipline as a result of training provided under RMSA. A study conducted in Indore district found that 81.05% of respondents agreed that the quality of education improved due to RMSA initiatives. Additionally, 83.14% noted an increase in student achievements in government schools. The GER in secondary education rose from 33% in 2001-02 to 75% in 2017, indicating significant progress in student enrollment.
Mid-day meal scheme (MDM, 1995)
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM) is one of the largest school feeding programs in the world, aimed at improving nutritional status and educational outcomes for children in India. It was originally launched in 1995 as the National Program of Nutritional Support to Primary Education, however today it serves over 120 million children across more than 1.27 million schools making it the largest of its kind globally. It made provisions for children from Classes 1 to 8 to be provided with freshly prepared, nutritious meals. The meal must meet specified caloric (450-700 kcal) and protein (12-20g) standards, depending on the age group.
Schools are equipped with kitchens and proper storage facilities to maintain hygiene with an emphasis on safe drinking water and sanitation facilities alongside meal preparation. The program has been extensively linked to improved school attendance rates. Research indicates an average increase of 8.22% in attendance and enrollment rates for beneficiaries of the MDM program are reported to be 22.68% higher than non-beneficiaries.
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP, 2015)
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India, aimed at addressing the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and empowering girls through education and social awareness. It sought to ensure access to quality education for girls at all levels, encouraging school enrollment and retention.
The scheme was launched with an initial budget of ₹100 crore and has since expanded its outreach to all 640 districts in India following initial success in 100 gender-critical districts. The BBBP scheme has positively influenced enrollment rates for girls in schools. Reports indicate that states implementing BBBP have seen increased enrollment rates among girls, particularly in rural areas where educational access has historically been limited. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), linked with BBBP, ensures financial security for girl children. As of January 2024, SSY offers an interest rate of 8.2% per annum, allowing parents to save for their daughters’ education or marriage.
Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY)
The Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY) is a central government initiative launched in 1997 aimed at improving the status of the girl child in India, particularly among economically weaker sections of society. The scheme focuses on encouraging the birth of girl children, improving their educational prospects, and enhancing their overall well-being by providing financial assistance to families. It applies to families below the poverty line (BPL) and is open to girls born on or after August 15, 1997. A maximum of two girls and children per family can benefit from the scheme. At birth, a one-time grant of ₹500 is provided to the mother of the newborn girl child, and for education annual scholarships are provided for each year of schooling:
– ₹300 for Class 1
– ₹500 for Class 6
– ₹600 for Class 7
– ₹800 for Class 8
– ₹1,000 for Classes 9 and 10.
As of recent reports, over 12,357 girl children have benefited from the scheme since its inception. The number of beneficiaries has shown a consistent increase annually, reflecting the scheme’s growing reach. Funds are deposited in the name of the girl child in a post office or public sector bank. The amount matures when the girl reaches 18 years of age, provided she remains unmarried. Continuation of the scholarship requires the girl to be enrolled in school and the lump sum maturity amount is released only if the girl child remains unmarried until 18 years.
Narayan Seva Sansthan
Narayan Seva Sansthan is a prominent non-profit organization based in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, dedicated to providing free education and healthcare services to underprivileged communities. Founded in 1985 by Kailash Agarwal, NSS initially focused on social services, particularly for polio and disability rehabilitation. The organization has since expanded its mission to include education for underprivileged children and vocational training for differently-abled individuals.
The Narayan Children Academy was established in July, 2015 and it serves as an English medium co-educational school specifically designed for children from underprivileged backgrounds. Currently, the academy supports approximately 1,834 children, including orphans and those from economically disadvantaged families. The academy offers free schooling without any tuition fees in addition to free uniforms, stationery, and meals to ensure they have the necessary resources for learning. The organization also provides healthcare support to students, ensuring their physical well-being alongside their education.
E-Vidyaloka
E-Vidyaloka is a non-profit organization based in Bangalore, India, dedicated to providing quality education to children in rural areas by leveraging technology and volunteer support. E-Vidyaloka creates digital classrooms by connecting volunteer teachers from around the world with students in remote villages using platforms like Skype, Google Hangouts, and Webex. As of recent reports, E-Vidyaloka has over 1,600 volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to teach students remotely.
E-Vidyaloka has impacted over 19,000 students across various states in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. The organization has facilitated more than 2 million hours of study, significantly enhancing learning outcomes for participants. E-Vidyaloka’s efforts have been recognized for improving learning outcomes significantly. For instance, prior studies indicated that around 50% of students drop out between grades 5 and 8, with many struggling with basic literacy and numeracy.
E&H Foundation
The E&H Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on providing quality education to underprivileged children in India, particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana. The foundation aims to provide quality education to over 100,000 children by 2030, focusing on first-generation learners and girls from Class 1 to Class 10. The E&H Foundation supports the education of over 35,000 children across three states, with a significant focus on urban slums and first-generation learners. The foundation collaborates with established organizations like Gyanshala and the Bharti Foundation to implement its educational programs effectively.
Approximately 19,000 children are directly supported through the foundation’s initiatives, with a focus on students from Classes 1 to 5. Over 50% of the beneficiaries are girls, addressing gender disparities in education. The foundation’s efforts have positively influenced around 12,000 households across more than 100 slums. The foundation aims to tackle critical issues in education quality. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2016, about 57% of Class V children in Uttar Pradesh cannot read Class II Hindi textbooks, highlighting the urgent need for quality educational interventions. For the fiscal year 2022-23, the foundation reported an income of approximately INR 11.68 million, with program expenses accounting for about INR 10.3 million, reflecting its commitment to educational initiatives.
World Vision India
World Vision India is a prominent humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families living in poverty and injustice. Established over 70 years ago, today it is active in over 6,200 communities across 174 districts in 24 states and 1 union territory in India. World Vision India has impacted approximately 2.6 million children through various programs and initiatives; it aims to promote the well-being of every child, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or social background. Today they engage over 28,000 sponsors, providing financial support for children’s education, health care, and nutrition and under their sponsorships over 3,400 students have received training on safety measures in schools.
WorldVision has also launched the concept of “Mobile Clinics’ in partnership with Ford; these clinics have served over 18,544 children and adults, providing essential health services in remote areas since 2016. Initiatives like the Energy Efficient School project in Andhra Pradesh aim to enhance educational infrastructure with solar panels, hygiene facilities, and nutrition gardens. In response to the outbreak of encephalitis in Bihar, World Vision India has also conducted extensive awareness programs that protected the lives of approximately 100 children. The organization has additionally provided emergency relief to over 11,393 families affected by recent disasters in Kerala.
Smile For All
Smile for All is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children in India through education and community development initiatives. SFA primarily focuses on providing access to quality education for children who might otherwise be deprived of this fundamental right. The organization enrolls children in private schools and supports their educational needs, including tuition fees, school supplies, and mentorship.
Through its educational initiatives, Smile for All has successfully enrolled numerous children in formal schooling systems, helping them break the cycle of poverty. Smile for All directly benefits thousands of children each year by providing them with educational opportunities and resources. Many beneficiaries have reported improved academic performance and personal growth due to the support received from SFA.
We hope the above recommendations have helped you understand the widespread efforts towards enhancing education in India and have potentially influenced you to also undertake some targeted interventions towards the free education of the underprivileged.
There you have it!
We hope the above recommendations have helped you understand the widespread efforts towards enhancing education in India and have potentially influenced you to also undertake some targeted interventions towards the free education of the underprivileged.
Do you wish to add another tip or cue to our ‘free education for poor’ blog? Drop the same in the comments section and we will consider it for adding to the list! If you wish to support the education of poor students or people with disabilities in general, we recommend checking out these NGOs for differently abled.
We also recommend checking out these blogs:
Differently abled children statistics and data
Best NGOs for disabled people in India
Disability in India: All the insights
Kaavya Bhatt
Kaavya is a 14-year-old, budding change maker passionate about tackling societal issues creatively and trying to do her bit for the world today. She has a keen affinity for reading, research, the culinary arts, and traveling. Get in touch with Kaavya on bhatt.kaavya24@gmail.com
