Scheme For Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience

Scheme for Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience (CAFES)

The “Scheme for Campus Accommodation & Facilities Enhancing Social Experience (CAFES)” is an initiative launched by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) aimed at providing essential financial support for the construction of hostels. This scheme is designed to foster a conducive learning environment that enables students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, to focus on their educational pursuits without the distractions of domestic responsibilities.

Overview of the Scheme

The CAFES scheme, introduced by the Department of Higher Education (DoHE), is tailored to facilitate the development and extension of hostel facilities across India. By prioritizing the needs of SC/ST, differently-abled, and North Eastern Region (NER) students, the scheme promotes not only academic excellence but also personal growth through a well-rounded living experience. The financial assistance encompasses the construction of hostels and associated amenities such as gyms, sports facilities, and libraries, thus aiming to create a comprehensive educational atmosphere.

Key Benefits

Disbursement of Funds

The fund distribution occurs in three significant installments:

• First Installment (50%): Issued upfront upon approval of the hostel construction proposal.
• Second Installment (40%): Released after a field inspection and verification of the first installment’s utilization.
• Third Installment (10%): Provided upon submission of a completion certificate along with all required documentation.
• Additional Funds: Available for gym, sports club, and library setups following the second installment, contingent upon competitive quotations.

Eligibility Criteria

Institutions seeking to benefit from the CAFES scheme must meet the following requirements:

• Must be AICTE-approved Government or Government-aided engineering colleges, university departments, or polytechnics.
• Must have been operational for a minimum of five years.
• Must enroll a specified number of students in the following categories:
• At least 200 SC/ST students for CAFES SC/ST.
• At least 60 students from NER each year for CAFES NER.
• At least 150 differently-abled students for CAFES Differently Abled.

Terms and Conditions

• An annual progress report must be submitted within two months of the year’s end.
• A project completion report must be provided after the project’s conclusion.
• A utilization certificate and statement of accounts must be submitted in the prescribed format and audited by the Finance Officer or Account Officer.
• If construction does not commence within six months, the funds must be returned to AICTE with accrued interest and justification for the delay.
• Any alterations to the construction plan that result in reduced facilities or area will not be permitted.

Application Process

To apply for the CAFES scheme, follow these steps:

1. Visit the AICTE Web Portal and log in using the institute’s credentials (username and password).
2. Select the CAFES scheme application option.
3. Refer to the user manual on the AICTE website to complete the application form.
4. Click on SUBMIT once the form is filled out.
5. Ensure that every page of the application form is signed and stamped by the head of the institute.
6. After submission, navigate to the reports section.
7. In the Run Report section, select “CAFES” and click Submit to download the report.
8. Upload all required documents along with the application form.

Helpdesk Information

For any inquiries related to the scheme, please use the following contact details:

• Scheme Related Information:
• Email: cafesidc@aicte-india.org
• Phone: (011) 29581340
• Technical Information:
• Email: it3idc@aicte-india.org
• Phone: (011) 29581334

Official Source

For further details, visit the official page at myScheme.gov.in.