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 stamps amongst the country's students. 

Announcing the Yojana, the Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, Ahmedabad, Krishna Kumar Yadav, said that this scholarship aims to inculcate the hobby of Philately among the children from a young age.

Krishna Kumar Yadav was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 'The Ideal and Great Stamps' Paintings exhibition, which was held in Ahmedabad from 21 to 23 August 2024.

Philately refers to the collection and study of postage stamps and related products. As a hobby, Philately includes collecting stamps, acquiring, organising, cataloguing, storing, displaying, and maintaining them or related products in thematic areas. 

About the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana

The Deen Dayal SPARSH (Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby) Yojana is an all-India scheme open to class VI, VII, VIII & IX students of a recognised school. 

• Only students who are members of a philately club or have a Philately Deposit Account will be selected for the scholarship.
• 920 scholarships will be awarded at all India levels to students who are pursuing Philately as a hobby.
• Every postal circle in the country can award a maximum of 40 scholarships to 10 students each from Standard VI, VII, VIII, and IX.
• The scholarship amount is Rs 6000 per year and will be paid quarterly.
• Selections for the scholarship will be made for one year, and students can apply next year, subject to fulfilling the terms and conditions of the Yojana.
• A Philately Mentor will be assigned to the school to guide every selected student. 
• The Philately Mentor's other role will be to form a school-level Philately Club, provide guidance to young and aspiring Philatelists on how to pursue the hobby and encourage the aspiring students. 

Union Minister for Communication: Jyotiraditya M. Scindia