Merit Awards
The Merit Awards scheme in Maharashtra provides financial assistance to disabled students excelling in education.
Key facts
| Benefit | ₹1,000 cash, certificate, travel expenses |
|---|---|
| Who | Students with disabilities ranking 1st, 2nd, 3rd in S.S.C. and H.S.C. |
| How paid | One-time payment |
| Implemented by | Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Maharashtra |
| Official portal | https://sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Application window | Annual window — confirm dates on the official portal |
Benefits
Beneficiaries receive a one-time cash award of ₹1,000, a certificate, and travel expenses for attending the award ceremony.
Who can apply
- For: student
- Resident of Maharashtra
- not income tax payer
- no government employee in family
- poor household
- disabled
Applicants must be students with disabilities who are permanent residents of Maharashtra. They should not be income tax payers, have no government employees in their family, and belong to poor households.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted offline through the District Social Welfare Office.
- Visit the District Social Welfare Office to request the application form.
- Complete the application form and attach the required documents, including a signed passport-sized photograph.
- Submit the filled application form to the Regional Deputy Commissioner at the District Social Welfare Office.
- Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment of your application submission.
Documents required
- Proof reg. the Latest Educational Qualification
- Proof of securing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd among disabled students in the Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C.) and Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.) in their respective divisional boards of education
- Bonafide Certificate from the Institution
- Aadhaar Card
- 2-Passport Sized Photograph (Signed Across)
- Residential Certificate / Domicile Certificate of the State of Maharashtra
- Disability Certificate
- Details of the Bank Account (Bank Name, Branch Name, Address, IFSC, etc)
- Any other document required by the District Social Welfare Office
Common problems and how to fix them
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Application rejected | Ensure all mandatory documents are attached and the application form is filled correctly before submission. |
| Payment not received | Check with the District Social Welfare Office for the status of your application and ensure you have the receipt of submission. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the amount of the award?
The award amount is ₹1,000 along with a certificate.
Are there any travel expenses covered?
Yes, beneficiaries receive travel expenses up to ₹100 for attending the award ceremony.
What are the eligibility criteria for applicants?
Applicants must be students with disabilities, permanent residents of Maharashtra, and rank 1st, 2nd, or 3rd among disabled students in their respective boards.
Is there a specific percentage of disability required?
Yes, applicants must have a disability percentage of 40% or more.
Can students from other states apply?
No, only permanent residents of Maharashtra are eligible to apply for this scheme.
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no fee for applying to this scheme.
Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.
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