Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare

The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC/ST students waives 100% of compulsory non-refundable tuition fees and provides maintenance allowances for post-secondary education.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee waiver for degree, diploma, medical, and engineering courses in government, aided, and self-financing colleges under government quota.
• Direct monthly maintenance allowance credited to the student's bank account.

Eligibility criteria:

• Must belong to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar (SCA), or Scheduled Tribe (ST).
• Annual family income must not exceed ₹2,50,000.

How to apply:

• Apply through your college scholarship nodal officer via the state scholarship portal (tnadtws.tn.gov.in↗). Enclose Community Certificate, Income Certificate, and bank passbook.

The Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department operates over 1,300 free welfare hostels for school and college students across Tamil Nadu.

Facilities provided:

• 100% free boarding, lodging, bedding, and balanced nutritious meals.
• 4 sets of free school uniforms, textbooks, and stationery supplies.
• Special academic coaching and library facilities for college students.

Eligibility and enrollment:

• Minimum distance of 5 km between residence and educational institution (Relaxed for female students).
• Apply online at tnadtwhostels.in↗ or submit an application to the District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer (DADWO) at the Collectorate.

The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (THADCO) facilitates bank credit with 30% to 50% capital subsidies for SC/ST entrepreneurs to establish self-employment ventures.

Eligible businesses:

• Commercial vehicles (Taxis, auto rickshaws, mini goods carriers).
• Healthcare clinics, retail pharmacies, beauty parlors.
• Grocery stores, tailoring units, and cottage enterprises.
• Land Purchase Scheme (Up to 50% subsidy for SC/ST women farmers to acquire agricultural land).

Subsidy amount:

• Direct capital subsidy of 30% to 50% (up to ₹2.25 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh depending on the scheme), with the balance financed as a bank loan.

Start online (fastest):

• Apply via thadco.tn.gov.in↗. Upload Community Certificate, Income Certificate (annual income under ₹3 Lakh), Project Business Report, and driving license (for vehicle schemes).