Maharashtra Government Announces Free Higher Education for Girls from EWS, SEBC, and OBC Segments

Higher Education Maharashtra for Girls
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The Maharashtra government has introduced the Mulina Mofat Shikshan Yojana to provide free higher education to girls from economically weaker sections. This initiative aimed at increasing access to higher education for girls belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward Class (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). This move, part of a broader women-oriented policy, was decided during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

  • Higher education for girls from EWS, SEBC, and OBC will be free, effective from the academic year 2024-25.
  • Eligible girls can pursue medical, engineering, technical, and other higher education courses without paying any fees.
  • The scheme covers the entire cost of education, including tuition, exams, and other related expenses.
  • Economically and socially disadvantaged girls who are domiciled in Maharashtra.
  • Girls of all ages can apply for the scheme.
Scheme NameMulina Mofat Shikshan Yojana
(मुलींना मोफत शिक्षण योजना) 2024
Launched ByMaharashtra Government
Announced ByChief Minister Eknath Shinde
EligibilityOnly Girls or Female Applicants from Maharashtra
Launch Date5th July 2024
Age LimitNo Age Bar
BenefitsFree Education in 800+ courses (medical, technical, engineering, etc.)
Target Beneficiaries2 lakh Girls
Required DocumentsAadhaar Card,
Domicile Proof,
Income Certificate, etc.
Application DeadlineAugust 2024
ObjectivePromote Higher Education for Girls
Official Websitehttps://sarkariiyojana.co.in/mulina-mofat-shikshan-yojana-2024/
Tuition & Exam Fee Waiver for Girl StudentsGovernment of Maharashtra Scheme

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Cost: The initiative is expected to cost Rs 906 crore.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Mulina Mofat Shikshan Yojana, applicants must:

  • Be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
  • Have secured admission to a recognized higher education institution in the state.
  • Female students from families with an annual income of Rs 8 lakh or less and belonging to EWS, SEBC, or OBC categories are eligible.

Documents Required

Applicants will need to submit the following documents:

  • Aadhaar card
  • Domicile certificate
  • Income certificate
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Educational qualifications
  • Recent passport-sized photograph

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Application Process for Free Higher Education for Girls in Maharashtra

The application process is online. Eligible girls can visit the official website of the Mulina Mofat Shikshan Yojana to submit their applications. The application form requires personal details, academic qualifications, and income information.

  • Visit the official Maharashtra Mofat Shikshan Scheme website.
  • Check for the latest updates on the Mulina Mofat Shikshan Yojana 2024.
  • Click “New Applicant Registration” to open the registration form.
  • Fill out all required details, and verify email and phone number.
  • Authenticate Aadhaar with OTP or biometric.
  • Complete registration.
  • Click “Applicant login” on the dashboard.
  • Log in with Gmail, mobile number, or email ID if already registered.
  • Click “Apply Online.”
  • Fill out the application form on the new page.
  • Upload necessary documents.
  • Submit the application form.
  • Save a PDF copy of the application for your records.

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Courses: The scheme covers over 800 courses in higher and technical education, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture, and dairy development.

  • Students from private autonomous universities or self-funded universities and those enrolling through management and institutional quotas are not eligible.
  • The scheme aims to increase the number of girls pursuing professional courses, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP).
  • Both new admissions and current students pursuing their degrees will benefit from this scheme.

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Other Scholarships for Girls In Maharashtra

Savitribai Phule Scholarship

A scholarship scheme by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra.

Benefits: Financial assistance to female students from Vimukta Jati, Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), and Special Backward Classes (SBC) studying in classes 5th to 10th.

Eligibility:

  • Girl students belong to the VJNT or SBC community.
  • Studying in classes from 5th to 10th.
  • Must be a resident of Maharashtra.
  • Studying in government or government-aided schools.

How to Apply for Free Higher Education for Girls in Maharashtra: Online application through the official Maharashtra government website.

Documents Required:

  • Proof of residence
  • Caste certificate
  • School leaving certificate
  • Income certificate

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Pragati Scholarship

A scholarship scheme for meritorious female students from economically weaker sections.

Benefits: Financial assistance for higher education in professional courses like engineering, medicine, and management.

Eligibility

  • Girl student from Maharashtra.
  • Belonging to the economically weaker section.
  • Secured at least 60% marks in the qualifying examination.
  • Pursuing a professional course in a recognized institution.

How to Apply: Online application through the official Maharashtra government website.

Documents Required:

  • Proof of residence
  • Income certificate
  • Marksheets of qualifying examinations
  • Admission letter to the professional course

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State Government Open Merit Scholarship

A scholarship scheme for meritorious students, including girls, from economically weaker sections.

Benefits: Financial assistance for higher education in various fields. Eligibility:

  • Student from Maharashtra.
  • Belonging to the economically weaker section.
  • Secured a minimum percentage of marks in the qualifying examination (varies depending on the course).
  • Pursuing higher education in a recognized institution.

How to Apply: Online application is available through the official Maharashtra government website.

Documents Required:

  • Proof of residence
  • Income certificate
  • Marksheets of qualifying examinations
  • Admission letter to the course

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Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Vasatigruh Nirvah Bhatta Yojna

A scholarship scheme for girls from economically weaker sections residing in hostels.

Benefits: Financial assistance to cover hostel expenses.

Eligibility:

  • Girl student from Maharashtra.
  • Belonging to the economically weaker section.
  • Residing in a government-recognized hostel.
  • Pursuing higher education.

How to Apply: Online application is available through the official Maharashtra government website.

Documents Required:

  • Proof of residence
  • Income certificate
  • Hostel admission details
  • Marksheets of qualifying examinations

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Open Merit Scholarships for EBC Students in Maharashtra

The School Education Department, Government of Maharashtra, offers scholarships to help economically backward students (EBC) continue their education.

Benefits:

  • Financial aid to ease the burden of educational expenses.
  • Amount:
    • Hostel residents (boys): ₹140 per month for 10 months (₹1400 total)
    • Day scholars (boys): ₹80 per month for 10 months (₹800 total)
    • The hosteler girls will receive INR 160 per month for 10 months which sums up to INR 1600.
    •  The non-hosteler girls will receive INR 100 per month for 10 months which sums up to INR 1000.

Eligibility:

  • Must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in the SSC examination.
  • Passed the SSC examination on the first attempt.

How to Apply:

  • Gather the required documents:
    • Income certificate (approved by Tahasildar)
    • SSC mark sheet
    • Previous year’s mark sheet (for scholarship renewal)
  • Contact your school administration for application details and deadlines.

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Vocational Training Fee reimbursement for the OBC, SEBC, VJNT & SBC Welfare Department students

The OBC, SEBC, VJNT & SBC Welfare Department offer financial assistance for vocational training programs to students from these communities.

Eligibility:

  • You belong to the OBC, SEBC, VJNT, or SBC category (caste certificate required).
  • Your family’s annual income is Rs.8 lakh or less (non-creamy layer certificate required).
  • You’re admitted through the Centralized Admission Process to a government or private ITI under the PPP scheme (no reimbursement for management quota admissions).
  • This is your first time receiving vocational training benefits from the government or a private ITI.
  • You haven’t received benefits from training programs sponsored by the government or other organizations.
  • You’re a resident of Maharashtra.
  • You’re enrolled in a DGT, New Delhi, or MSCVT-approved course.

Benefits:

  • Get reimbursed for 80% of the difference between government and private institute fees (applicable for both SSC-passed and failed students).

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Important Note:

  • This benefit is only available for up to 2 children per family.
  • Regular attendance is mandatory.
  • You must pass your semester/annual exams (medical emergencies may be considered with proper documentation).
  • Poor academic performance or misconduct can disqualify you from receiving reimbursement.

Renewal:

  • To continue receiving reimbursement, you must be enrolled in the next year and maintain attendance as per DGT guidelines.

Documents Required:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Ration Card
  • SSC/HSC Marksheet
  • Previous year’s mark sheet (for renewal)
  • Domicile certificate
  • Income certificate (or declaration for business owners)
  • Non-creamy layer certificate

This program can significantly reduce the financial burden of vocational training, helping you invest in your future career. For more information and application details contact your local OBC, SEBC, VJNT, and SBC welfare department.

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Post-Matric Scholarship for Maharashtra Minority Students

The Government of Maharashtra offers scholarships to minority students pursuing professional or technical courses.

  • Who can apply?
    • Indian citizens domiciled in Maharashtra.
    • Students belonging to Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Parsi, Jain, or Jewish communities.
    • Passed SSC from Maharashtra.
    • Admitted to a professional or technical diploma/degree course.
    • Enrolled in a recognized institution with a bonafide certificate.
    • Admitted through CAP (Centralized Admission Process) or directly by the institute.
    • Annual family income up to ₹8 lakh.
  • Benefits:
    • Up to ₹50,000 per year or actual tuition and exam fees (whichever is less).

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Additional Initiatives
  • Mukhyamantri Annapoorna Yojana: Three free gas cylinders for women.
  • Mukhyamantri Yuva Karyaprashikshan Yojana: Various skill development programs.
  • Mukhyamantri Krishi Pump Yojana: Subsidized agricultural pumps.
  • Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana: Monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 for eligible women aged 21 to 60 years.
  • Free Education for Women: Another scheme to provide free higher education for girls in Maharashtra.

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