Government initiative to promote higher education of OBC students

The Yogi Adityanath government has made significant progress in the field of education and has started the second phase of the schedule of pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for students from the other backward classes for the financial year 2024-25. This initiative aims to support OBC students by easing their financial burden and furthering their pursuit of higher education.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Disadvantaged Classes, Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Narendra Kashyap, announced that the scholarships for students of class 9 to 12 and above are now available.

He added, “Through an online application process, the scheme provides timely financial support to ensure that OBC students can continue their studies without financial hurdles.”

Backward Classes Welfare Director Dr. Vandana Verma highlighted that the application process has now been fully digitized for greater transparency and efficient disbursement. She added, “OBC students can apply through the official portal (https://scholarship.up.gov.in).

According to the scheme, all educational institutions must be registered in the master data by December 31, 2024, with fee verifications completed by universities, affiliated bodies and district school inspectors by January 5, 2025. Under this scheme, applications for the pre-matric grant for students of class 9-10 and the post-matric grant for students of class 11-12 can be submitted until January 15, 2025. Educational institutions are instructed to verify and forward these applications by January 18, 2025, ensuring that students receive timely financial support so that their studies can continue uninterrupted.

The government has directed that the scholarship amount be transferred directly to the bank accounts of the students through direct benefit transfer (DBT). By February 25, 2025, all eligible students will receive their funds through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), accelerating support for educational development in the state.

Dr. Vandana Verma informed that the Yogi government is committed to promoting education for students from underprivileged classes, helping them financially and enabling them to be part of the mainstream.

This scholarship program is an important step towards making OBC students self-reliant and opening pathways to higher education. Led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this initiative aims to brighten the future of the youth across the state, benefit millions of students and further facilitate their educational journey.