Tag: scholarship

EduConnect

Scholarship and Stipend Scheme for Students with Disabilities Announced by Goa Government

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Goa has announced a welfare scheme to support the education of students with disabilities through monthly stipends and scholarships. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance across various levels of education—from primary school to post-graduation—covering both academic and vocational fields. The stipend for students from Standard I to VIII is ₹200 per month, while those from Standard IX to XII are eligible for ₹300 per month, both for a duration of 11 months. Additionally, scholarships are available for students from Standard IX and above.

For students from Standard IX to XII or equivalent university courses, day scholars will receive ₹500 per month, hostellers ₹200 per month, and blind students will be provided with a reader’s allowance of ₹75 per month, all for 11 months. For students pursuing undergraduate degrees such as B.A., B.Com., or B.Sc., the scholarship amount is ₹650 per month for day scholars, ₹270 per month for hostellers, and ₹115 per month for readers’ allowance for blind students. Students enrolled in professional and technical courses like BE, B.Arch, MBBS, LLB, B.Ed, diplomas in engineering, as well as postgraduate degrees like MA, MSc, M.Com, LLM, and M.Ed, are eligible for ₹900 per month for day scholars, ₹360 per month for hostellers, and ₹150 per month for readers’ allowance for the blind.

To qualify for the scheme, students must have a disability of 40% or more, as certified by a Medical Board. They must also have secured at least 45% marks in their last annual exam, and their parents’ annual income should not exceed ₹1,50,000 from all sources. Possession of a valid UDID card issued by the Directorate of Social Welfare is also mandatory. The scheme additionally supports students pursuing music and vocational courses through recognized educational boards or universities.

Only online applications will be accepted under this scheme. Students must register and apply through the official CM Scholarship Portal. The application window for the academic year 2025-26 is now open, and the last date for submission is November 15, 2025. No offline applications will be considered.

Events in Goa

Dr. Ashwin Fernandes’ PACT Foundation Launches #GoaSuper100 with Support from Anupam Kher and Sonu Sood

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, India | August 11, 2025: In a powerful display of community-driven impact and visionary leadership, the PACT Foundation, led by renowned educationist Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, celebrated its 2nd Foundation Day on August 8 at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, Goa. The evening witnessed the official launch of #GoaSuper100 — a game-changing undergraduate scholarship initiative designed to support 100 bright but underprivileged Goan students in pursuing higher education at top Indian universities.

The event was attended by two of India’s most respected figures — Anupam Kher, actor and motivational speaker, and Sonu Sood, actor and humanitarian — who joined Dr. Fernandes in unveiling the initiative and championing the power of education as a force for social change.

“We have seen firsthand how hope takes root when resources meet responsibility,” said Dr. Ashwin Fernandes. “Goa Super 100 is not just about financial aid — it’s about shaping future leaders grounded in values of equity, gratitude, and giving back.”

The Goa Super 100 program is a response to the growing challenge faced by many Goan students who, despite academic merit, are unable to pursue college due to financial constraints. This fully-funded program will cover tuition fees, living expenses, mentorship, and more — setting a new benchmark for educational equity in the state.

A Legacy of Impact: The Happy School Project

Since its inception in 2023, PACT Foundation has revitalised over 20 government schools in rural and semi-urban Goa through its Happy School Project, transforming the learning environment for more than 6,000 students. These schools now boast smart classrooms, libraries, safe sanitation, and vibrant play areas — embodying dignity, community, and child-centered education.

Voices of Support

In their keynote speeches, both Anupam Kher and Sonu Sood applauded the Foundation’s grassroots approach.

“Dreams matter. And when they are supported by people who care, anything is possible,” said Anupam Kher.
“Dr. Ashwin has brought his global experience to serve his home — and that is rare,” added Sonu Sood.

What’s Next

The Foundation Day concluded with a strong call to action from Dr. Fernandes, inviting individual donors, corporates, and Goan diaspora to join this movement — through donations, mentorship, and institutional partnerships. The application portal for Goa Super 100 will open soon, with the first cohort of scholars expected to begin college in the 2026–27 academic year.With #GoaSuper100, the PACT Foundation marks not just a milestone, but a mission — to unlock dreams and rebuild futures through education.

TechPulse

Applications Open for Free Laptop Scheme for SC/ST Students

allycaralgoa

Altinho, July 08, 2025: To support digital learning and academic growth among students from SC/ST communities, the Government of Goa has opened online applications for its free laptop distribution scheme for meritorious Class X students.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is implementing the scheme through the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG). It aims to benefit deserving students from the academic year 2024–2025, selecting 10 meritorious students from Scheduled Caste (SC) communities and 10 from Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, with equal representation of boys and girls (5 each) in every Taluka.

Eligibility Criteria Applicants must:

  • Belong to the SC or ST community.
  • Be born in Goa, or have at least one parent born in Goa.
  • Have passed the Class X examination (Goa Board) in the first attempt.
  • Have scored a minimum of 70% aggregate marks in Class X.
  • Be schooling in the same Taluka where they are considered for merit.
  • Rank among the top 5 male or top 5 female SC/ST students in the Taluka

Documents Required

  • Birth certificate (of student or parent)
  • Class X marksheet (Goa Board)
  • Caste certificate (attested copy)
  • Parent’s consent form (Annexure I)
  • Photo ID of student (Aadhaar card/School ID)
  • Parent’s ID with signature (PAN/Passport/Driving Licence)

The initiative reflects the Department’s continued efforts to bridge the digital divide and enable students from all backgrounds to access technology-driven learning tools.

Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online at infotech.goa.gov.in. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025