1.Title of the practice:
Empowering Students through Scholarships
2.Objectives of the Practice:
The objectives of the practice are to:
3.The Context:
Located in a small district of Punjab, the University primarily serves students from rural areas who face financial challenges and limited educational guidance. Many students discontinue their studies or avoid higher education due to these barriers. This initiative addresses the issue by offering crucial financial aid and opportunities, with a special focus on supporting female students to promote gender equality in education.
In acknowledgment of these challenges, the University provides the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Scholarship to aid economically disadvantaged yet academically proficient students. Additionally, around 100 needy girls receive complimentary education and accommodation. Furthermore, fee waivers are extended to students from Below Poverty Line backgrounds, with the aim of fostering educational inclusivity and accessibility across all socio-economic strata.
4.The Practice:
In line with its mandate, the University offers various scholarships, including the "Sri Guru Granth Sahib Scholarship," "Scholarship to Girls Students," and the "Fee Waiver Scheme for Needy and Meritorious Students." Free education is also provided for students pursuing an MA in Religious Studies. The University supports SC/ST students by waiving non-refundable fees, which are reimbursed by the Central and Punjab Governments in a 60:40 ratio.
The University maintains a reasonable fee structure but often charges less than the capped amount set by the Punjab Government. To address this, the University provides fee concessions to SC/ST students, covering the gap between the prescribed fee and the amount paid by the government. This policy ensures that students from socially deprived communities can access quality education without additional financial burden, reflecting the University’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
5. Evidence of Success
The University provides several scholarships to support students:
In total, 6,187 students benefit from Rs. 25,63,65,234 in scholarships. This support is vital, especially for students from economically weaker sections, demonstrating the University's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. The significant allocation for SC students highlights a focus on underrepresented groups, while the diverse schemes ensure broad financial assistance.
6. Problems encountered and resources required:
The University aims to provide quality education as a charitable and humanitarian effort but relies heavily on state-disbursed scholarships for financial support. Delays in Post Matric Scholarship Scheme funds create financial hardships, particularly as most students come from economically weaker sections. This makes it challenging to provide necessary financial assistance.
1.Title of the Practice:
Sarbat da Bhala: Community Service (Welfare for One and All)
2. Objective of Practice:
The objectives of the practice are to:
3.The Context:
The University, located on the hallowed grounds of Fatehgarh Sahib, honours the martyrdom of Sahibzada Jorawar Singh, Sahibzada Fateh Singh, and Mata Gujri Ji. To instil social responsibility in students and faculty, it organises camps during the annual Shaheedi Jor Mel. The University is also dedicated to nurturing students’ potential, empowering them to address social challenges with resilience. These efforts honour the University’s historical legacy while fostering a generation committed to societal service.
4. The Practice:
The commitment of the University to community service is evident through a myriad of initiatives aimed at fostering social responsibility and promoting the well-being of society, such as Free Physiotherapy OPD and camps, Cancer Care Camps and Blood Donation Camps. Moreover, the philanthropic efforts of the University extend to the adoption of five villages for holistic development, exemplified by initiatives such as Vand Chhako Camp, aimed at providing essentials to the underprivileged. Community Engagement activities, establishing Kitchen Gardens in local schools and orchestrating cleanliness drives to enhance environmental hygiene, and relief activities during natural disasters underscores the commitment of the University to humanitarian relief.
5. Evidence of Success
The University’s commitment to community service is evident through its diverse initiatives over the years:
2018-2019: Activities included Random Acts of Kindness, 13 physiotherapy camps, cancer-care and blood-donation camps.
2019-2020: The University launched a Community Service Campaign under Swachh Campus, conducted cleanliness drives, engaged in flood relief, organized eight physiotherapy camps, and held cancer-care, blood-donation and health hygiene camps.
2020-2021: Despite COVID-19, the University ran an awareness campaign, cleanliness and plantation drives, participated in the Fit India Movement, supported skill development for school children, and maintained campus facilities. It also held cancer-care and blood-donation camps and multiple donation drives.
2021-2022: Continued efforts included health runs, cleanliness services, tutoring programs, and cultural heritage celebrations.
2022-23: Repeated key activities from previous years, maintaining a strong focus on community service.
These efforts reflect the University’s ongoing role in enhancing community well-being and development.
6.Problems encountered and resources required
Organising these events relies on contributions from staff and students. Financial constraints often make it challenging to pool the necessary funds, and delays in scholarship releases further strain the University's budget. Despite these challenges, the University remains proud of its dedicated staff and students who continue to support community services.
