About Egalitarians
Egalitarians is a democratic, voluntary, and not-for-profit group committed to the principle of equality and building a casteless just society. Founded on 15thJuly 2020, Egalitarians works on issues concerning democratizing Indian academia, social justice, and annihilation of caste.
Background of the Scheme
Several evidences show that the Adivasi, Dalit, and Transgender representation – at not just the upper echelons but also at the entry level – in the civil services are dismal (see 1, see 2). The recent initiatives to privatise the public sector undertakings, the introduction of lateral entry at the mid and senior level positions in civil services (without a said commitment for affirmative action), and reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) will further undermine Adivasi and Dalit representation in civil services. Apart from the structural and systemic barriers, the lack of social and economic capital put Adivasis, Dalits, and Transgenders at a disadvantage when it comes to civil services exam preparations. Jaipal Singh Munda Memorial Civil Services Fellowship scheme is aimed at addressing this issue. We are delighted to name this scheme after the multifaceted tribal activist, sportsman, and statesman Jaipal Singh Munda. The purpose of this scheme is to provide, each year, necessary social and financial support to, at least one, civil services aspirant from the Adivasi, Dalit, and Transgender community.
Eligibility
This fellowship is highly selective. The candidate must belong to at least one of the following community: Adivasi (Scheduled Tribes listed under the Constitution of India); Dalit (Scheduled Castes listed under the Constitution of India); Transgender (Male to Female, Female to Male); Hermaphrodite. Apart from proven commitment and aspiration for civil services preparation, the candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria to appear in the All India Civil Services Examination as notified by the Union Public Services Commission.
The candidate at the time of applying for the fellowship should not be a member or a blood-relative of Egalitarians.
Scheme Components
The selected candidate(s) will get
a) the necessary social capital in the form of mentorship and internships from civil servants serving with various government departments and ministries;
b) the financial capital (in cash and kind) for tuition fee, lodging, books, exam fee etc.
The detailed break-up of financial assistance (for one candidate) is as follows:
| S. No. | Component | Amount (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tuition fee a) Prelims cum Mains b) CSAT c) Optional | 130000 20000 35000 |
| 2 | Lodging at the rate of Rs. 6000 per month for one year (to be extended till the candidate gets recruited) | 72000 |
| 3 | Books (one-time, to be paid in kind) | 10000 |
| 4 | Laptop with internet connectivity (one-time, to be paid in kind) | 40000 |
| 5 | Miscellaneous (includes: exam fees, test series fee, travelling allowances for appearing in interview etc.) | 20000 |
| Total | 327000 |
We as a community do not believe in charity. The financial assistance provided under the scheme should be treated as loan (with-zero-interest). The selected candidates are expected to sponsor and mentor at least one aspirant (to be identified by the Egalitarians) upon her/his/their joining in the civil services.
Selection Process
For this year, that is 2021, we have decided to sponsor a candidate from the Adivasi community. NGOs and field activists working for the empowerment of Adivasis will be contacted to select a desirable candidate. The desirable candidate is an Adivasi female (or transgender) aspirant, born and brought up in a rural background, studied in government or government aided school(s).
Contact
Eligible candidates are requested to write to us at egalitarians2020@gmail.com (egalitarians2020[at]gmail[dot]com)
To Donate
This scheme for 2021 has been postponed due to shortage of funds.
You can send your contributions to the following bank account.
| Account Number | 913010045380268 |
| IFSC | UTIB0001449 |
| Bank | Axis Bank |
| Branch | KSP Mahal, Kalangarayapalayam, Pudur, Mettuasuvampalayam, Erode. |
| Account holder | Manoj K G (Treasury committee, Egalitarians) |
| Contact Number | 88515 83097 |
Postscript
Transparency is the ingrained policy of Egalitarians. However, for all practical purposes, the selected candidate’s name and identity will neither be revealed outside in any of our social media platforms nor to the sponsors/benefactors.
Egalitarians 