The Azim Premji Foundation has pledged ₹2,250 crore over three years to support girls in completing college education. This initiative is the largest direct benefit transfer scheme by any private nonprofit in India.
Scholarship Details
Eligible girls who have completed classes 10 and 12 from government schools can apply for the Azim Premji scholarship. Selected students will receive ₹30,000 annually for up to 2.5 lakh girls, amounting to ₹750 crore each year and totaling ₹2,250 crore for the full three-year degree.
Goal: Empowering Girls Through Education
Anurag Behar, CEO of the Azim Premji Foundation, said the scholarship aims to help girls from government schools complete higher education by easing financial burdens. Girls admitted to recognized colleges will receive ₹90,000 over their degree program.
Current Educational Challenges in India
According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, India has nearly 15 lakh schools with 25 crore students, almost half in government schools. While primary enrollment is high at 93%, the number drops sharply by higher grades. Only 56.2% complete 12th grade, and fewer than one-third enroll in college, with girls lagging behind boys, mainly due to financial constraints.
Bridging the Gap for Economically Disadvantaged Girls
Behar highlighted that although enrollment at the primary level is almost equal for boys and girls, economically disadvantaged girls face significant challenges in accessing higher education. The scholarship aims to reduce this gap and empower girls to shape their futures.
Background of Azim Premji Foundation
Azim Premji, founder of Wipro and one of India’s richest philanthropists, established the foundation in 2001 with an initial endowment of $125 million in Wipro shares. Over 24 years, the foundation has trained thousands of teachers, supported government schools, started a university, funded NGOs, and ventured into healthcare.
Philanthropic Impact and Assets
Premji has donated $21 billion, about 92% of his wealth, earning recognition as India’s most generous billionaire. The foundation’s endowment, including 67% of Wipro shares and Premji Invest holdings, was valued at $38 billion in 2023, ranking it as the world’s fifth-largest private endowment.
