UP's Fishing Community Gets a Boost: Government to Cover Education Fees Up to ₹50,000

UP government approves scheme to cover education fees for children of fishing families, offering up to ₹50,000 for courses from intermediate to postgraduate level.

In a significant move to support the fishing community in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has approved a scheme to cover the education fees of children from fishing families. This initiative, which extends from intermediate to postgraduate studies, aims to provide financial relief and encourage higher education among the community.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

  • Fee reimbursement ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000
  • Covers intermediate to postgraduate courses
  • Targets specific fishing communities including Nishad, Mallah, Kewat, and others
  • Applicable for families with annual income less than ₹2 lakh

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government has taken this step to ensure that financial constraints don't hinder the educational aspirations of children from fishing families. The scheme is expected to benefit thousands of students across the state.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail the benefits of this scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Belong to specified fishing communities
  • Family income should be less than ₹2 lakh per annum
  • Not receiving benefits from any other similar scheme
  • Possess valid income and caste certificates

Students who are already receiving fee reimbursements under other schemes for backward classes, social welfare, or from state or central government will not be eligible for this particular benefit.

Application Process

Eligible students can apply for the scheme through the departmental portal. The process is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that deserving candidates can easily access the benefits.

Fee Reimbursement Categories

The scheme categorizes the reimbursement into four main groups:

  1. Postgraduate technical courses: Up to ₹50,000 or actual fees, whichever is lower
  2. Postgraduate non-technical courses: Up to ₹30,000 or actual fees, whichever is lower
  3. Graduate non-technical courses: Up to ₹50,000 or actual fees, whichever is lower
  4. Intermediate or equivalent technical courses: Up to ₹10,000 or actual fees, whichever is lower

This structured approach ensures that students pursuing various courses at different levels receive appropriate financial support.

Impact on the Fishing Community

This initiative is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the fishing community of Uttar Pradesh. By alleviating the financial burden of education, the scheme opens up new opportunities for young individuals from these communities to pursue higher education and improve their career prospects.

Local fisherman Ramesh Kumar expressed his joy, saying, "This scheme is a blessing for families like ours. Now, I can dream of sending my daughter to college without worrying about the fees."

Government's Vision

The UP government's move aligns with its broader vision of inclusive growth and development. By focusing on traditionally underserved communities, the administration aims to create a more equitable society where education is accessible to all, regardless of their economic background.

Education Minister Suresh Khanna stated, "Our goal is to ensure that no child from the fishing community is deprived of education due to financial constraints. This scheme is a step towards realizing that vision."

Conclusion

As Uttar Pradesh takes this progressive step, it sets an example for other states to follow. The scheme not only addresses the immediate need for educational support but also lays the foundation for long-term social and economic empowerment of the fishing community.

For more information on how to apply and benefit from this scheme, interested candidates are advised to visit the official website of the Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Department or contact their nearest government office.

As we move towards a more inclusive India, initiatives like these play a crucial role in bridging the education gap and creating opportunities for all sections of society.

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