Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme – Ministry of Home Affairs
Context
A major change has been brought about in the ‘Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme’ under the National Defence Fund.
Background
The Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS), managed by the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is more than just a scholarship program. It’s a beacon of hope for countless students, offering support to the dependents of Central Armed Police Forces & Assam Rifles (CAPFs & AR) and State Police Personnel. Since its inception in 2006-07, the PM scholarship scheme has touched the lives of many, empowering them to chase their aspirations in higher professional and technical education without the burden of financial constraints.
About National Defence Fund (NDF):
- Back in 1962, people established the National Defence Fund (NDF) to gather voluntary donations, both monetary and in kind, to support national defense efforts. The fund also decides how to use these contributions.
- Today, the fund mainly helps members of the Armed Forces, Para Military forces, and the Railway Protection Force, as well as their dependents.
- The fund is managed by an Executive Committee, led by the Prime Minister. The Defence, Finance, and Home Ministers also serve as members of this committee.
- A significant program under the National Defence Fund is the ‘Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)‘, which encourages technical and post-graduate education among the widows and children of deceased or retired ex-service personnel.
- Scholarships under PMSS cover various technical fields such as medical, dental, veterinary, engineering, and management programs like MBA and MCA, as well as other equivalent technical professions accredited by AICTE/UGC.
- Nowadays, people can conveniently contribute to the National Defence Fund online through its dedicated website, making it easier for everyone to support the welfare initiatives for those connected to the defense forces.
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