Education in Odisha / Odisha gives orphaned students a free route to higher education

Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: In a major step towards ensuring inclusive education, the Odisha government has extended its Green Passage Scheme to students pursuing higher and technical education in government institutions across the state.

The initiative aims to ensure that orphaned and vulnerable children do not have to abandon their educational aspirations due to financial hardship or the absence of parental support.

The Higher Education Department has issued a notification bringing government technical universities and colleges under the ambit of the scheme. The move is designed to remove financial barriers that often prevent disadvantaged students from accessing higher education.

Under the Green Passage Scheme, several categories of students will be eligible for benefits. These include children who have lost both biological or adoptive parents, students orphaned by the death of both parents, and those who have lost their sole earning parent.

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Children living in Child Care Institutions as well as those placed under foster care arrangements will also be covered.

However, eligibility is subject to an income criterion. The annual income of the surviving parent, guardian or designated caregiver from all sources must not exceed Rs 8 lakh.

The scheme covers a broad range of educational streams rather than being limited to a specific discipline.

Students enrolling in higher education courses of at least one year after Class 12, including general, professional and technical programmes, can avail of the benefits. The scheme also extends to technical education courses such as ITI, Polytechnic and Diploma programmes.

One of the most significant features of the initiative is the financial assistance provided to eligible students.

The government will waive several educational expenses, including admission fees, tuition fees, examination fees, laboratory fees, library fees and other institutional charges.

Eligible students may also receive free hostel accommodation and meals, reducing the overall cost of education substantially.

Officials clarified that certain charges related to hostel admission and other specific institutional expenses may not be covered under the scheme. Students seeking benefits will have to submit the required documents during the admission process at government higher education institutions.

The Green Passage Scheme is also applicable to students studying in government-aided colleges and institutions. In such cases, eligible students will receive fee waivers, while the government will later reimburse the institutions for the expenses incurred.

More than just a financial assistance programme, the Green Passage Scheme seeks to provide a support system for children who lack parental care and economic security.

By covering educational costs and providing accommodation support, the initiative aims to ensure that no deserving student is deprived of higher education due to circumstances beyond their control.