The Union Minister for Human Resource Development updated the progress of the National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) during Budget Session 2020 in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. This scheme aims at awarding scholarships to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to reduce class VIII dropouts and encourage further study at a secondary stage.
Understanding the National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
Launched in 2008, NMMSS is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) aiming to support the education of deserving students from low-income families. Its main goal is to reduce dropout rates after class VIII by providing financial aid and promoting continuous learning at the secondary stage.
Details about the Scholarship
Selected students under this scheme receive an annual scholarship of Rs. 6000 (Rs.500 per month). The scholarship covers their expenses for studying from classes IX to XII in State Government, Government aided, and local body schools. The selection process for the award involves an examination conducted by the respective State Governments. State Bank of India disburses the scholarships directly into the students’ bank accounts every quarter.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
The scholarship is accessible to students whose parents’ combined income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 1,50,000 annually. However, students studying in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Residential Schools run by State Government Institutions, and private schools are not eligible under this scheme.
Performance of the NMMSS
According to an evaluation study by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) in 2017, approximately 70.1% of beneficiary students would have discontinued their studies without the scholarship. Furthermore, students under the NMMSS demonstrate better academic performance in classes IX, X, XI, and XII, which is necessary for continuous receipt of the scholarship over four consecutive years.
About National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA)
The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, established NIEPA. Its origin dates back to 1962 when UNESCO set up the Asian Regional Centre for Educational Planners and Administrators, which later became the Asian Institute of Educational Planning and Administration in 1965. The Government of India took it over after four years. Due to its expanded roles, it was renamed as NIEPA in 1979. In August 2006, it received the status of ‘Deemed to be University’ empowering it to confer its own degrees.