Introduction:
Education remains a powerful driver of social mobility, yet the children of low-income labourers often face significant financial hurdles. In Karnataka, the state government addresses this through the Educational Assistance Scheme under the Karnataka Labour Welfare Board (KLWB), aimed at easing such burdens for organised sector workers.
Fundamentals of the Scheme
The Education Assistance Scheme, officially known as the Educational Incentive Assistance Scheme 2025–26, is part of the broader Labour Welfare initiatives of the KLWB. It extends financial support to students—from high school to postgraduate, including professional courses such as engineering and medicine—whose parents are employed in factories, shops or other organised establishments and contribute to the Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund (KLWF)
Eligibility Criteria & Conditions
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The parent must be an organised sector worker contributing to the KLWF
- Monthly income of the worker must not exceed ₹11,000
- Academic performance thresholds:
- At least 50% marks in the previous exam for general category.
- At least 45% marks for SC/ST and PwD candidates
- Course levels covered include high school (SSLC & PUC), graduation, postgraduate, as well as technical and medical courses
- A maximum of two children per family may benefit from the scheme
Financial Support & Disbursement
While precise per-student amounts aren’t publicly listed in the accessible sources, the assistance is provided as direct bank transfers post-verification of documents Additionally, broader KLWB guidelines suggest educational assistance may vary by level—for example, up to ₹6,000 for high school, ₹8,000 for diploma/PUC, and possibly more for higher or professional courses
Application Process
The application steps are streamlined:
- Visit the portal at klwbapps.karnataka.gov.in.
- Register or log in, and fill in student and parent details.
- Upload required documents:
- Parent’s employment/contribution proof,
- Aadhaar (for both parent and student),
- Income certificate,
- Previous year’s mark sheet,
- Student’s bank passbook
- Submit before the deadline: applications for the 2025–26 academic year must be submitted by October 31, 2025
- After submission, applicants can track application status online
Social Impact & Long-Term Removal of Barriers
The scheme plays a crucial role in:
- Reducing financial barriers for children from working-class families to pursue higher education.
- Encouraging academic achievement through merit-based eligibility.
- Promoting inclusive access by covering diverse educational levels and professional courses.
- Enhancing family-level support, enabling up to two children per family to benefit.
Moreover, recent developments—like smart cards issuance and the establishment of residential schools for construction workers’ children—underscore increased commitment to worker welfare and educational outreach
Conclusion
The Karnataka Labour Card Educational Assistance Scheme is a well-structured, timely intervention that bridges the financial gap between aspiration and opportunity. By providing direct financial aid, simplifying the application process, and ensuring inclusive eligibility, it empowers the children of organised sector workers to complete their education and pursue fulfilling careers.