PUNE: In the first of its kind move, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced the Indira Gandhi Scholarship for the single girl child for post-graduate (PG) courses. The last date for filing applications for the same is November 30. The objective of the scholarship is to support post-graduate education of single girl child in non-professional courses and to recognise the value of observance of small family norms. The eligible candidate will receive a scholarship amount of Rs 3,100 per month (10 months of the academic year) during course duration. 

Eligibility criteria
Girl students who are single and only, twin daughters/ fraternal daughter can apply for the scholarship.

If a family has one son and one daughter, the girl will not be eligible.  The upper age limit is 30 years at the time of admission. The scheme is applicable to candidates who have taken admission in regular, full-time first-year masters degree course in any university or post-graduate college. This scholarship is available for first-year PG students only. 

Also, admission to PG course in distance education mode is not covered under the the scheme. However, UGC has stated that if any student fails to maintain their results, there are chances of withdrawal. If the candidate’s progress result is unsatisfactory i.e. below 55 per cent marks and below 50 per cent (in case of physically challenged) in the first year of master’s programme then the scholarship will be withdrawn.