Odisha announces new financial assistance schemes for students

The Odisha government has introduced new guidelines to provide financial support to students facing various hardships. Under a revised ex-gratia scheme, students from Sishu Vatika to Class XII enrolled in government and government-aided schools, including Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas and Odisha Model Adarsha Vidyalayas, are eligible for Rs 2 lakh in the event of accidental death or permanent disability. This assistance applies to accidents occurring on school premises, during travel to and from school, or during school-related activities. Funds are prioritized for disbursement to the student’s mother, followed by the father, or a legal guardian if parents are unavailable.

Additionally, the Odisha State AIDS Control Society (OSACS) and the Higher Education department are collaborating to support students from HIV-affected families. Through the Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana (GSSY), eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students can receive annual financial assistance of Rs 20,000. This scheme aims to cover academic expenses such as study materials and transportation for students who are personally affected by HIV or whose parents are affected by the virus.