Introduction
Access to education is a fundamental right, yet thousands of students in Mizoram struggle to continue their academic journey due to economic hardship. Recognising this reality, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) established the Students’ Aid Fund (SAF)—a structured, transparent financial assistance scheme designed to support economically disadvantaged Mizo students.
The Students’ Aid Fund Guidelines 2025 create a strong, accountable system where deserving students receive help through grants or interest-free loans. This guide explains everything students and parents need to know—from eligibility to documentation, selection process, and how to maximize your chances of being selected.
📍 What is the Students’ Aid Fund (SAF)?
Mizo Zirlai Pawl Students’ Aid Fund (MZP-SAF) is a financial support mechanism created by the MZP General Headquarters Executive Committee on 30 September 2025. Its main purpose is to ensure that no Mizo student is forced to discontinue education due to financial problems.
Core Objectives
- Support students from low-income families
- Promote educational equality
- Assist students from rural, remote, tribal, and underrepresented communities
- Provide emergency assistance when needed
- Foster social mobility among Mizo youth
💡 Scope of Financial Assistance
The SAF covers a wide range of educational expenses. Students can receive support in the form of grants or interest-free loans, depending on need and fund availability.
Expenses Covered Under SAF
- Tuition fees
- Admission & examination fees
- Hostel and mess fees
- Boarding and accommodation costs
- Textbooks & study materials
- Stationery
- Medical emergencies (verified)
- Other essential academic needs
This makes SAF one of the most student-friendly schemes in Mizoram.
🏦 Sources of the Fund
The Students’ Aid Fund is maintained through contributions from:
- MZP fundraising events
- Voluntary contributions from members
- Donations from alumni
- Corporate CSR donations
- Institutional or NGO support
- Support from Government or other recognized bodies
- Interest or dividends earned by the Fund
🎯 Eligibility Criteria for SAF 2025
To qualify for assistance, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
1. Must Be a Mizo Student
Students from the Mizo community studying at any recognized institution.
2. Must Be Enrolled in an Accredited Institution
Applicants must submit:
- Valid student ID card OR
- Enrollment certificate issued by the institution
3. Demonstrated Financial Need
Students must genuinely require financial support.
4. Priority Groups
Preference is given to:
- Students from rural or remote areas
- Scheduled Tribe students
- Differently-abled students
- First-generation learners
- Students not receiving adequate government scholarships
5. Not Receiving Equivalent Financial Assistance
If a student already receives full coverage under another scheme, SAF prioritizes those still in unmet need.
📄 Required Documents for SAF Application
The following are typically required during application (exact list may change):
- Student ID / Enrollment certificate
- Income certificate / family income proof
- Aadhaar card or identity proof
- Bank passbook copy
- Fees structure / bills / receipts
- Details of current scholarships (if any)
- Medical certificates (for medical emergencies)
- Bonafide certificate (if required)
The SAFMC may request additional documents when necessary.
📝 How to Apply for the Students’ Aid Fund (SAF)
Here is the step-by-step application process:
Step 1: Prepare All Required Documents
Make sure all certificates and proofs are correct.
Step 2: Fill Out the SAF Application Form
Submit a clear and complete application, explaining:
- Your course
- Background
- Financial condition
- Purpose of the aid
Step 3: Submit the Application to SAFMC
Applications must be submitted to the Students’ Aid Fund Management Committee.
Step 4: Wait for Verification
The committee will verify your details, documents, and financial condition.
Step 5: Final Selection
You will be notified if selected.
🔍 How the Selection Process Works
The selection process is conducted by the SAF Management Committee (SAFMC).
Evaluation Criteria
- Family income & economic condition
- Asset ownership
- Medical or emergency circumstances
- Academic performance & attendance
- Genuine need for support
- Authenticity of documents
Verification Methods
- Document verification
- Interviews (if required)
- Home visits (for deeper assessment)
The SAFMC’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
💳 Disbursement of Aid: How Funds Are Given
1. Amount of Aid
Aid depends on:
- Financial need
- Availability of funds
- Limits set annually by SAFMC
2. Mode of Payment
Funds may be disbursed:
- Directly to the student’s bank account
- In cash (special cases)
- Directly to institutions (fees, hostel payments, etc.)
- In installments for multi-year programs
3. Recipient Agreement
Recipients must sign an undertaking committing to:
- Use funds only for education
- Provide accurate information
- Repay loans on schedule (if applicable)
- Maintain good conduct
4. Loans
Interest-free loans require:
- Loan agreement
- Repayment schedule
- Compliance with SAF rules
🔒 Transparency and Accountability Measures
The SAF is designed to operate with full transparency.
Key Measures
- Annual audits
- Maintenance of detailed financial records
- Public reporting at MZP GHQ Assembly
- Ethical guidelines for all committee members
- Strict donor-ethics compliance
- Zero-commission policy for fundraisers
These measures protect both donors and students.
⚠️ Disciplinary Rules Students Must Know
To maintain fairness and protect the fund, strict rules apply.
1. False Documents = Permanent Ban
Any forged or false document results in:
- Immediate repayment
- Permanent disqualification
- Possible legal action
2. Misuse of Funds
If a student uses the money for non-educational purposes:
- Aid is withdrawn
- Full recovery is demanded
- Legal action may be taken
3. Misconduct or Criminal Activity
Aid may be suspended if the student:
- Violates institutional rules
- Engages in serious misconduct
- Brings disrepute to MZP
