In Banaskantha district, 1128 students from Scheduled Castes have taken advantage of the Free Ship Card scheme in the academic year 2024/25. This scheme, managed by the Gujarat Government’s Social Justice and Empowerment Department, provides financial support to students studying at self-financing colleges. The government covers tuition fees up to ₹2.5 lakh for students whose family income is below this threshold.
Students must present their Free Ship Card at the time of admission to benefit from this scheme. According to the information from the Banaskantha Deputy Director of Scheduled Caste Welfare Office, these students are currently enrolled in various private colleges across the state. The fees are paid to the colleges by the government in two installments. The first installment is 60% of the total fees, while the remaining 40% is paid in the second installment.
The Free Ship Card scheme aims to support children of parents with an income of less than ₹2.5 lakh. It covers courses in medical, engineering, nursing, and other professional fields. The funds are transferred directly to the students’ bank accounts, and they are required to pay their college fees within a week of receiving the funds.
The Deputy Director, Manishbhai Solanki, encourages interested students to apply for the Free Ship Card. They can visit the office in Palanpur or contact them via phone to get more information on how to apply. The scheme has seen a steady increase in the number of beneficiaries over the past three years. In the academic year 2023/24, 1113 students benefited, and the number has slightly increased to 1118 in 2024/25.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to promote education among underprivileged communities. It ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing higher education. The scheme not only helps students but also contributes to the overall development of the community by empowering families through education.
Banaskantha district, located in the northern part of Gujarat, is known for its agricultural activities. Many families rely on farming for their livelihood, making educational support crucial for improving their socio-economic status. The Free Ship Card is a significant step towards achieving educational equity in the region.
In conclusion, the Free Ship Card scheme is making a positive impact on the lives of students in Banaskantha. By easing the financial burden of education, the government is helping to shape a brighter future for many families. As the admission process continues, more students are expected to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.
Leave a Reply