NEWS – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the ‘Deepika Student Scholarship’, aimed at supporting higher education for girl students in government schools and colleges. The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Higher Education and the Azim Premji Foundation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Features of the Scholarship

• Financial Support: ₹30,000 per year per student.
• Eligibility: Girls who have completed SSLC and PUC and enrolled in general, professional, or diploma courses.
• Beneficiaries: Initially aimed at 37,000 students from 2025-26.
• Inclusivity Clause: If more than 37,000 eligible students apply, all qualified candidates will receive the scholarship.

Azim Premji’s Vision

• Premji emphasized his long-term goal of providing quality education for all children in India.
• Reflecting on 25 years of work through his foundation, he noted the increasing aspirations of students to pursue higher education.
• The scholarship is specifically designed to encourage girls to continue their education beyond school.

Significance

• Promotes gender equality in education.
• Reduces financial barriers for higher education.
• Strengthens the collaboration between government and philanthropic organizations.