Tag: Scholarships

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.

EduConnect

World’s Richest Woman Launches Free-Tuition Medical School for Underserved Communities

allycaralgoa

In a landmark step for healthcare and education, Alice Walton, a member of the Walton family and the world’s richest woman, has launched a new medical school aimed at serving underserved communities.

The medical school will cover full tuition for its first five graduating classes, lifting the financial burden off aspiring doctors who want to pursue medicine but lack the resources.

Walton, who is best known for her philanthropic initiatives in healthcare and education, emphasized that the school’s mission goes beyond academics. It seeks to train doctors who are not only skilled but also compassionate and committed to serving communities that often lack access to quality healthcare.

This initiative comes at a critical time when rising tuition costs and student debt deter many from entering the medical profession. By removing these barriers, Walton hopes to inspire a new generation of physicians who will dedicate their careers to improving lives where medical care is most needed.

Her vision aligns with a growing movement to reform medical education, focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and service-driven healthcare.

For underserved communities, this project represents hope, opportunity, and a healthier future.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Partners ‘Shiksha Vision’ in Felicitating Meritorious Students at Bicholim

allycaralgoa

Bicholim, Goa: Emphasising support for progress of students & recognising academic excellence, Vedanta Sesa Goa & ‘Shiksha Vision’ Bicholim, in association with Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, Hon’ble MLA of Bicholim Constituency, felicitated over 125 meritorious students from the region. The event honoured students from postgraduate, graduate, and higher secondary levels who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and dedication. Previously in the month of Jun 25, Vedanta Sesa Goa had extended scholarships to ~250 students from Bicholim Taluka.

Held at the Hirabai Zantye Memorial Hall, Bicholim, the ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, parents, educators, and community leaders.The felicitation ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Shri Michael Lobo, Hon’ble MLA for Calangute Constituency, as Guest of Honour, Shri Chandrakant Shetye, Hon’bla MLA for Bicholim Constituency as Chief Guest, and Shri Manoj B. Savoikar, Deputy Director of Education, Government of Goa, as Guest of Honour. Also present were Dr. R. Gopakumar, Principal, Government College Sankhali; Dr. M.S. Korgaonkar, Principal, Hirabai Zantye College; and Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – Iron Ore Goa, Vedanta Sesa Goa.

Chief Guest Shri Michael Lobo, Hon’ble MLA, Calangute remarked: “These students are the pride of Goa. Their achievements reflect not just personal dedication but also the collective effort of families, teachers, and the community. I encourage them to continue striving for excellence and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Expressing his sentiments on the occasion, Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, Hon’ble MLA, Bicholim, stated:“The youth of Bicholim continue to make us proud with their academic achievements. Recognising and encouraging their excellence is our collective responsibility, as education is the foundation on which we will build a stronger and more self-reliant nation. I am happy that industry leaders like Vedanta Sesa Goa are stepping forward to support such meaningful initiatives. Their commitment towards education and community development reflects the kind of public-private collaboration that can truly transform lives at the grassroots level.”

Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – Iron Ore Goa, Vedanta Sesa Goa, shared: “It is truly inspiring to witness the passion and potential of these young achievers. At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we are deeply committed to promoting education as a catalyst for change. Initiatives like these align with our vision of nurturing talent and empowering communities to rise through knowledge.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa supports educational aspirations of students as part of its Project ‘Vriddhi’ which include the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarships, setting up of Vedanta computer centres and labs & distribution of stationery and other material.