INTRODUCTION
Background
India is an agricultural country, and the backbone of the economy depends heavily on farmers. Despite their vital contribution, farmers often face financial difficulties that impact their children’s education. To counter this issue and ensure that no child of a farmer is deprived of education due to lack of money, the Karnataka State Government launched the Raitha Vidya Nidhi Scholarship Scheme.
Objective
The scheme’s main objective is to offer monthly financial aid to the children of farmers, promoting higher education, especially after SSLC (10th standard), and reducing dropout rates in rural Karnataka.
OVERVIEW OF THE SCHEME
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Raitha Vidya Nidhi Scheme |
| Department | Department of Agriculture, Karnataka |
| Beneficiaries | Children of registered farmers |
| Amount | ₹1,750 per month (₹21,000 per year) |
| Disbursement | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Academic Level | Post-SSLC: PUC, ITI, Diploma, UG, PG |
| Application Mode | Online |
| State | Karnataka |
KEY OBJECTIVES
- Promote educational equity among farming families.
- Provide steady monthly support to help students pay for academic needs.
- Encourage post-secondary education.
- Reduce dropout rates, especially in rural regions.
- Empower rural youth for better employment opportunities.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To apply for the scheme, applicants must fulfill the following:
1. Karnataka Domicile
Applicant must be a resident of Karnataka.
2. Parent Must Be a Farmer
The student’s father or mother must be a registered farmer under the Agriculture Department of Karnataka.
3. Educational Status
The student should have:
- Passed SSLC (10th standard).
- Enrolled in PUC, ITI, diploma, graduation (degree), or post-graduation courses.
4. Age Limit
There is no fixed upper age limit, but students must be enrolled in recognized educational institutions.
5. Bank Account & Aadhaar
Students must have:
- An active bank account (preferably in their name).
- A valid Aadhaar number.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Aadhaar card (student & parent)
- SSLC mark sheet
- Latest admission proof (bonafide certificate or college ID)
- Farmer ID card / RTC extract (pahani)
- Bank passbook copy
- Passport-size photo
HOW TO APPLY (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to https://raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in
OR search for “Raitha Vidya Nidhi Scheme Karnataka”.
Step 2: Locate the Application Portal
Click on “Scholarship for Farmer’s Children” or relevant tab on the homepage.
Step 3: Enter Aadhaar & Farmer ID
Provide:
- Student Aadhaar Number
- Farmer ID or RTC number
Step 4: Fill in Student Details
Include:
- Name, age, course name, college
- Mobile number
- Bank account number
Step 5: Upload Documents
Ensure you upload all necessary documents in the correct format.
Step 6: Submit & Save
Submit the form and note down the application reference number.
Step 7: Track Application
Use the portal to check status updates and payment information.
BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
Monthly Scholarship (₹1,750/month)
- Helps in buying books, uniforms, stationery, travel passes.
- Can be used for hostel fees or tuition support.
- Encourages consistent attendance.
Academic Motivation
- Keeps students interested in continuing higher education.
- Prevents early dropouts, especially among girls.
Empowerment
- Promotes self-dependency and awareness.
- Helps students pursue career goals without pressure.
SPECIAL FOCUS ON GIRLS’ EDUCATION
- The scheme is equally available for girl students.
- Additional promotional campaigns encourage girls from farming families to pursue professional courses like nursing, teaching, etc.
FINANCIAL DETAILS
| Level of Education | Scholarship per Month |
|---|---|
| PUC | ₹1,750 |
| ITI | ₹1,750 |
| Diploma | ₹1,750 |
| Degree (UG) | ₹1,750 |
| PG (Masters) | ₹1,750 |
Note: The amount may vary slightly depending on the latest government orders, but ₹1,750/month is the current rate.
IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM
- DBT Mode – Funds are credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
- Verification by District Authorities – Land ownership and student enrollment are verified.
- Digital Tracking – Real-time tracking of applications and payments.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Entering incorrect Aadhaar or bank account number.
- Uploading unclear or incorrect documents.
- Not matching student details with Aadhaar and school records.
- Delay in renewal applications in the next academic year.
BENEFICIARY TESTIMONIALS
Ramesh, Student from Hassan:
“My father is a small farmer. With this scholarship, I was able to pay my college exam fees and buy textbooks.”
Nandini, Student from Ballari:
“This monthly support encouraged me to enroll in a nursing course. Now I can dream of becoming a healthcare professional.”
CHALLENGES IN EXECUTION
- Delays in verification due to land disputes.
- Students from remote areas may find it difficult to apply online.
- Lack of awareness among certain eligible families.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT & PROMOTION
The Karnataka government has taken multiple steps to ensure smooth implementation:
- Village-level awareness campaigns
- Helpline numbers and mobile support vans
- CSC centers supporting rural applications
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q1: What happens if the student fails in a year?
The scholarship is granted yearly. If the student fails, they may have to reapply and provide a justification for renewal.
Q2: Can I apply offline?
Most applications are accepted online. However, help centers are available in Gram Panchayats and Taluk offices.
Q3: Do private college students qualify?
Yes, as long as the institution is recognized by a government-approved education board or university.
LONG-TERM IMPACT OF THE SCHEME
- Educational upliftment of over 10 lakh students expected.
- Improvement in rural literacy rate and employability.
- Social upliftment of farming communities.
- Reduction in migration due to better local opportunities.
CONTACT DETAILS
For help with the scheme:
- Official Website: https://raitamitra.karnataka.gov.in
- Helpline Number: Available on the official portal
- District Agriculture Office: Visit for offline support
CONCLUSION
The Raitha Vidya Nidhi Scheme is a bold and necessary step toward improving the lives of farmers’ children. By offering consistent financial support, it bridges the gap between rural hardships and quality education. If you or someone in your family is eligible, apply immediately and benefit from this valuable initiative.
