Page 11 - Guidelines to Provide Equitable Opportunity forthe SocioEconomically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) in the HEI

include working on research projects, assistantship, Library assignments, Computer services, Data entry,
laboratory assistance, etc.

The effectiveness of any earn-while-learn program depends on its adherence to four foundational pillars:
academic rigor, relevant work experience, student financial support, and stakeholders investment in
programs. The pillars are held in place by a commitment to ensuring accountability, giving students the
opportunity for career exploration and professional development, and conferring credentials.

2.2.1 Benefits of the Earn-while-Learn Scheme:

Some of the benefits that the students may access through the Earn-while-Learn scheme include the
following:

1. It will enhance employability skills and career preparedness.
2. The Earn-while-Learn Scheme initiative will help to reduce the dropout rate.
3. The proper and effective implementation of the scheme will minimize parents’ economic
burden.
4. This initiative will have a positive impact on the student’s career. On one hand, students
will earn some extra money, while on the other, they will get work experience and hands-on
training while studying, something that needs to be encouraged in our education system.
5. Acquisition of work experience and hands-on practice during learning.
6. It will provide means of education to socio-economically disadvantaged students.
7. It will make students more resourceful due to their work experience and acquire job skills.

8. It will open various career opportunities to take better jobs in the future and enhance
employment prospects.
9. It will increase networking possibilities for the students.
10. It will facilitate students to acquire the requisite competence and attitude etc.
11. It will add value to the resume of students.

2.2.2 Opportunities:
HEIs may provide various part-time engagement opportunities to the students in any department of
the HEIs. HEIs should create awareness among the students about such opportunities so that eligible
students make use of these opportunities.

2.2.3 Remuneration:

The rate of remuneration for each of the students will be a consolidated amount on an hourly basis for
the part-time service they render. Eligible students can be engaged up to a maximum of 20 hours per
week, 20 days per month. The payment may be made on an actual basis. The services of the students may
be planned in such a way that it does not affect their classes.

2.2.4 Steps to be taken by the HEIs:
a. HEIs have to ensure flexibility to the students for acquiring knowledge and skills
essential to earn a living while learning.
b. Identify the types of work engagement on the campus that can be taken up by students
in part-time mode, as per local needs and also in regional languages.

11
University Grants Commission