# Odisha student financial assistance initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/odisha-student-financial-assistance-initiatives > Updated: 2026-09-04T04:32:53.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. The Odisha government has implemented several initiatives to provide financial relief and support to students. Initially, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed that students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories would no longer be required to pay admission or tuition fees upfront at state government medical and engineering colleges. This policy allows eligible students to defer payments for up to six months to accommodate the disbursement of scholarships. Further expanding student support, the state introduced an ex-gratia scheme providing Rs 2 lakh for students from Sishu Vatika to Class XII in the event of accidental death or permanent disability occurring during school-related activities or travel. Additionally, through the Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana (GSSY), undergraduate and postgraduate students from HIV-affected families can receive annual financial assistance of Rs 20,000 to cover academic and transportation costs. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Odisha announces new financial assistance schemes for students Odisha has announced new financial aid measures, including Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for students facing accidental death or disability and annual assistance for students from HIV-affected families. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/odisha-announces-new-financial-assistance-schemes-for-students ### 2026-08-31: Odisha provides fee relief for poor SC and ST students Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered fee deferment for poor SC and ST students enrolling in government medical and engineering colleges to prevent financial hurdles during admission. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/odisha-provides-fee-relief-for-poor-sc-and-st-students --- Cite as: Odisha student financial assistance initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/odisha-student-financial-assistance-initiatives