Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Malabar Charitable Trust’s “Betiyan Padhai, Desh Uday” scholarship program on March 25, 2026, in New Delhi. This initiative will support 33,000 underprivileged girls from Classes 1 to 12 across all 28 states and 8 Union Territories, aiming to boost girls’ education and India’s future workforce. The ₹500 crore program offers annual scholarships: ₹5,000 for Classes 1-5, ₹10,000 for Classes 6-8, ₹15,000 for Classes 9-10, and ₹20,000 for Classes 11-12. Priority goes to girls from SC/ST, OBC, and low-income families (under ₹2 lakh/year). Applications opened March 26 via malabarscholarship.org, with selections based on merit and need—first disbursements by June 2026.
Speaking at the virtual launch attended by 5,000 stakeholders, Goyal said, “Educating girls transforms families and the nation. This aligns with PM Modi’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Viksit Bharat@2047 visions.” He highlighted data: India’s female literacy lags at 70.3% (NFHS-5, 2021), and only 28% girls reach Class 12 (U-DISE 2024). The program targets bridging this gap.
Malabar Charitable Trust, founded by Malabar Group (Kerala’s gold retail giant), has aided 1.5 lakh students since 2015. This flagship effort partners with state governments and NGOs like Pratham. In Assam, it covers 1,200 girls, focusing on tea garden communities.
Goyal urged corporate India to join, noting scholarships could add 10 million skilled women to the workforce by 2030. Early sign-ups surged 40% in hours.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What is the “Betiyan Padhai, Desh Uday” scholarship program?
Launched by Malabar Charitable Trust, it provides ₹500 crore aid to 33,000 girls in Classes 1-12 nationwide, prioritizing underprivileged SC/ST/OBC students.
2. How much scholarship do girls get, and how to apply?
₹5,000-₹20,000 yearly based on class; apply from March 26 at malabarscholarship.org with merit-need criteria. Disbursal starts June 2026.
3. Why did Piyush Goyal launch this program?
To boost girls’ education amid 70.3% female literacy gap, aligning with Beti Bachao Beti Padhao for Viksit Bharat@2047 goals.
(*Image Source- Business News This Week)