The scholarship grants aim to provide opportunities for individuals from vulnerable and marginalized Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs), including women, to enhance their technical skills through technical and vocational training. This prepares them for employment in forest-relevant sectors or enables them to start their own businesses/microenterprises.
Scholarship grants are mainly targeted at indigenous peoples and local communities (IPs and LCs), especially youth and women from vulnerable and marginalized backgrounds. Individuals should be primarily from Madhesh and Lumbini Provinces, opportunities are also open to IPLC individuals from other provinces. In addition, successful beneficiaries must obtain a letter of recommendation from the local government or relevant IP and LC group or organization.
A total budget of 400,000 US dollars has been allocated for scholarship grants throughout the duration of the DGM Nepal project. Each beneficiary can receive up to USD 7000 as a scholarship grant. However, if the cost of the chosen course or training exceeds this amount, the beneficiary will be responsible for covering the additional costs.
The selection process involves several steps:
- Call for Scholarship Applications
- Scholarship Application Submission
- Shortlisting of applicants by NEA
- NSC Approval of Scholarship Shortlist
- Contract Signing and Fund Transfer
Each step is detailed in the provided GOM, PAD and project documents, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Funds are transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account as specified in the contract. Training fees are disbursed directly to the service provider based on installment, while other reimbursable expenses such as accommodation, travel, and stationery are paid to the scholarship recipients on an installment basis as per the agreement.
Beneficiaries are required to submit a Final Scholarship Use Report within 10 days of completing the course or training. This report should include a certificate of completion of the course or training. Additionally, NEA will supervise scholarship beneficiaries to ensure funds are used appropriately.
If a beneficiary cannot complete the course or training due to personal reasons, such as illness, the contract will be closed, and NEA will not pursue the recovery of already spent resources. However, proper documentation such as medical reports is required to verify the reasons for inability to complete the training.
In case of misuse of funds, NEA will conduct an inquiry to determine if the beneficiary is in breach of the contract. Depending on the severity of the breach, NEA may either suspend or terminate the scholarship. If a contract is terminated, the beneficiary must repay the scholarship amount in full to NEA.