Merit Awards
Merit Awards (मेरिट पुरस्कार)
The “Merit Awards” scheme, implemented by the Government of Maharashtra, aims to recognize and honor students with disabilities who excel academically. This initiative is designed to motivate students with disabilities by acknowledging their achievements in the Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C.) and Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.) examinations.
About the Scheme
The “Merit Awards” program is managed by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance in Maharashtra. Its primary objective is to award students with disabilities who secure the top three ranks among their peers in the S.S.C. and H.S.C. examinations across various divisional educational boards. Exclusively for permanent residents of Maharashtra, this scheme is fully funded by the Maharashtra government to ensure that deserving students receive the recognition they deserve.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Cash Award: Recipients receive a cash award of ₹1,000.
- Certificate: Awardees are presented with a certificate acknowledging their achievement.
- Travel Reimbursement: Beneficiaries are entitled to travel expenses to attend the award ceremony, with a maximum reimbursement of ₹100 per student.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the “Merit Awards,” applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra State.
- Must be a Person with Disability (including visually impaired, hearing impaired, orthopedically handicapped, etc.).
- Must have achieved 1st, 2nd, or 3rd rank among disabled students in the S.S.C. and H.S.C. examinations within their respective divisional boards.
Application Process
The application for the “Merit Awards” can be submitted offline. Follow the outlined steps below:
- Step 1: Visit your local District Social Welfare Office and request a hard copy of the application form format.
- Step 2: Complete the application form by filling in all required fields, affixing a signed passport-sized photograph, and attaching all necessary self-attested documents.
- Step 3: Submit the filled and signed application form along with the required documents to the Regional Deputy Commissioner at the District Social Welfare Office.
- Step 4: Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment confirming the successful submission of your application from the District Social Welfare Office.
Official Source
For more detailed information, please visit myScheme.gov.in.
Summary
The “Merit Awards” scheme is an essential initiative by the Maharashtra government aimed at encouraging students with disabilities. By providing financial assistance and recognition, the program fosters an inclusive educational environment and celebrates the achievements of these deserving students.
Benefits
The quantum of the award is ₹1,000/- cash amount, certificate.
The beneficiary is also provided travel expenses to attend the place of the award, and felicitation up to an amount ₹100/- per student.
Application Process
Apply Offline
Step 1: Visit the District Social Welfare Office
, and request a hard copy of the format of the application form for the scheme from the concerned authority.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across), and attach all the (self-attested) mandatory documents.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Regional Deputy Commissioner, District Social Welfare Office.
Step 4: Acquire the receipt/acknowledgment of the successful submission of the application form from the District Social Welfare Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Official Links
Scheme Details
| Full Name | Merit Awards |
| Short Title | MA-MAHA |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Categories | Education & Learning, Social welfare & Empowerment |
| States | Maharashtra |
| Gender | All |
| Caste/Category | PwD |
| Area | Both |
| Source | www.myscheme.gov.in ↗ |
Deepika Raikwar
Deepika Raikwar is an Education Analyst and scholarship researcher who focuses on public welfare and merit-based scholarships. She simplifies complex eligibility rules, deadlines, and application processes to help common people access reliable funding opportunities worldwide.
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