Ahmedabad: Amateur stamp collectors with an interest in philately will soon have more opportunities to pursue their hobby through the newly launched Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana, a scholarship scheme designed to promote philately among students. The initiative, introduced by the Department of Posts, aims to integrate philately into the mainstream education system by fostering research and developing an interest in stamps as a hobby.
Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav, Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, announced that students from classes 6 to 9 with good academic records and a passion for philately will be eligible for a ₹6,000 per annum scholarship. The application deadline for the scholarship selection examination is September 18, 2024.
“This scholarship scheme is designed to boost interest in philately among students and help them cultivate it as a meaningful hobby,” said Yadav. “We hope to see more young people engage with philately through this program.”
Scholarship Details and Eligibility Criteria
Under the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana, a maximum of 40 scholarships will be awarded in each postal circle across India, with 10 scholarships allocated for each class—6, 7, 8, and 9. The ₹6,000 annual scholarship will be disbursed at a rate of ₹500 per month, paid quarterly.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- They must be enrolled in a recognized school in India.
- The school must have an active Philately Club, with the applicant being a member. If the school does not have a Philately Club, students with their own Philately Deposit accounts in a post office can also apply.
- Applicants must have secured at least 60% marks (or equivalent grade) in their last final examination, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students.
A Philately Deposit account, necessary for eligibility, can be opened at any post office for just ₹200.
Selection Process
The scholarship selection process involves a two-stage evaluation. First, applicants will participate in a Philately written quiz consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions at the divisional level, which will take place on September 30, 2024. Students who pass the quiz will then be required to submit a Philately project for final selection by the first week of November.
A committee composed of postal officers and renowned philatelists will review the projects and make the final selection. Winners will be required to open a joint account with their parents in either a post office or the India Post Payments Bank to receive the scholarship funds.
Fostering a Lifelong Hobby
Postmaster General Yadav emphasized that the scholarship aims to cultivate a lifelong interest in philately, helping young collectors develop a hobby that is both enriching and relaxing. “Philately not only provides a stress-free and educational experience but also opens up a world of history, culture, and geography for young minds,” he said.