Medhasree Scheme: Financial Aid for School Students in West Bengal
In January 2023, the Honorable Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, announced a new scheme aimed at providing financial aid to school students. Under this scheme, schoolchildren receive an annual grant of ₹800 to help them purchase books, notebooks, and other stationery. This initiative, known as the Medhasree Scheme, continues to support students in the current academic year.
Implementation of the Medhasree Scheme in 2024
For the 2024 academic year, the disbursement of funds under the Medhasree Scheme has already begun. The money is being distributed through the treasuries of each district in the state. Students who are beneficiaries of this scheme receive a notification message on their registered mobile numbers. This message contains detailed information, including the district treasury from which the funds have been disbursed, the date of the transaction, and the bank account into which the money has been credited.
How to Check if the Scholarship Funds Have Been Credited
Currently, there is no official government website or portal to check the status of the scholarship funds. Therefore, students need to visit their bank and update their passbook to confirm if the ₹800 scholarship has been credited to their account.
Eligibility Criteria for the Medhasree Scheme
To be eligible for the Medhasree Scheme, students must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment in a West Bengal School: The student must be enrolled in a middle school in West Bengal, managed by the West Bengal Education Board.
- Class and Community: Only students from the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community, studying in classes 5 to 8, are eligible for this scholarship.
The Medhasree Scheme is a significant initiative by the West Bengal government, aiming to provide necessary financial support to students and encourage them to pursue their education without financial hindrances.