Postal Dept launches Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to Encourage Philately

The Department of Post under the Union Ministry of Communication has launched the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to promote research and scholarship in philately among students across India. Announced by the Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, Ahmedabad, Krishna Kumar Yadav, during the closing ceremony of the ‘The Ideal and Great Stamps’ Paintings exhibition, the scheme aims to foster the hobby of stamp collection among children.

About Philately

Philately involves the collection and study of postage stamps and related products. It encompasses acquiring, organising, cataloguing, and maintaining stamps or related items, often within specific thematic areas.

Key Details of Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana

Eligibility: Open to students of classes VI, VII, VIII, and IX from recognised schools. Students must be members of a philately club or hold a Philately Deposit Account.

Scholarships: 920 scholarships will be awarded nationwide, with each postal circle able to grant up to 40 scholarships (10 per eligible class).

Scholarship Amount: Each scholarship is worth ₹6000 per year, paid quarterly.

Selection: Scholarships are awarded annually, and students can reapply the following year if they meet the criteria.

Philately Mentor: A mentor will be assigned to guide selected students and establish school-level philately clubs.

Union Minister for Communication

Jyotiraditya M. Scindia oversees the implementation of this initiative.

Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana: Key Points

Objective: Promote the hobby of philately (stamp collection and study) among students.

Eligibility: Students of classes VI, VII, VIII, and IX from recognized schools.

Scholarships: 920 scholarships awarded nationwide.

Amount: ₹6000 per year, paid quarterly.

Selection: Students must be members of a philately club or have a Philately Deposit Account.

Mentorship: Philately Mentors will guide selected students and help establish school-level philately clubs.

Application: Scholarships are awarded annually, with the possibility of reapplication in subsequent years.