Proxy Means Testing (PMT) is the systematic process of identifying the proxy indicators of poverty such that deserving candidates for the grants are identified. PMT, in this case, identifies the list of the deserving students on the basis of economic disadvantage, merit, caste and ethnicity giving specific weights to each indicator.
How is access of studetns at higher education ?
According to the latest national living standard survey(2003/04), only 1% of the students at higher secondary schools are from the poorest 20% of all families, while 70% of the students are from richest 20% of the families. Similarly, at higher education, only 1% of the students come from the poorest 20% families while 88% of the students come from richest 20%.
What is Student Financial Assistance Scheme ?
For the first time in Nepal, the Student Financial Assistance Scheme (SFAS) is a component of the Second Higher Education Project (SHEP) is designed which will be managed by the Student Financial Assistance Fund Development Board (SFAFDB), an autonomous body established by the government on March 6, 2006.
How is Proxy means testing program is being implemented in Nepal?
Student Financial Assistance Fund Development Board (SFAFDB) and Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) signed agreement for carrying out banking and consulting services for the administration of student financial assistance trust fund on the 21st November, 2008. RBB, hence called as Administrator, signed agreement with sub-consultants DEVTEC Nepal (P) Ltd and Research Inputs and Development Action (RIDA) for acquiring technical support on the 1st December, 2008.
What is the objective of the program?
The main objective of the task is to administer the student financial assistance program starting from awareness raising, selection of students and disbursement of financial assistance through the different branches of Rastriya Banijya Bank.
The specific objectives of the task are to;
- launch awareness campaign,
- conduct Proxy Means Testing (PMT) to select beneficiaries,
- provide financial assistance (schorlarship and loan) to higher secondary level and bachelor’s level students throughout the country, and
- facilitate work-study initiatives.
What is the coverage of the program ?
The program has been implementing in throughout the country covering all community secondary and higher secondary schools. The financial support will be provided to students studying in higher secondary and higher education level after conducting Proxy Means Testing (PMT) of students studying in grade 10 and 12. The program is expected to benefit altogether 7,800 students.
