Odisha government to fund education of tribal students in elite schools
Bhubaneshwar: Now scheduled caste and scheduled tribe children from interior areas would get a chance to study in elite public schools in urban areas. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday launched Anwesha-a scheme under which every year 5000 children would pursue quality education in leading English medium schools. State government would bear all expenses for education of the children including school fees, uniform, books, hostel and transportation.
“There is huge potential among tribal children and our state has been promoting their talents in fields of art, culture, sports and education,” said Naveen announcing the scheme at Saragi Phul- a three day children’s festival for ST, SC children started at Adivasi Ground here on Monday.
The chief minister further said, over 3.5 lakh ST and SC students staying in hostels are to continue their education while two lakh more will avail the facility soon. Besides, the state has recently increased scholarships for ST, SC students, he added.
The scheme would be operational in 17 tribal dominated districts in the first phase, official sources said. The scheme started in experiment basis in 2015-16 academic session during which more than 2600 students are studying in different public schools in different towns of the state.
“So far we have received very good response from parents as well as different public schools. We have targeted to provide quality education to one lakh children from interior areas in next 10 years,” said secretary of ST-SC development department, Surendra Kumar.
He said, for each student government will give Rs 25, 000 for school fees per annum excluding hostel cost and scholarship. “Separate hostel would be constructed for these children and presently they would be kept in rented hostels. Counsellor will be appointed to help students in self-studies in hostels,” said Kumar.
Interested children would be selected through lottery by a committee chaired by district collectors. “Since no interview can be done for school admission as per Right to Education (RTE) Act, lottery is the best option. In future we are planning to include more schools also in bigger towns like Cuttack and Bhubaneswar as well,” Kumar said.
Courtesy: Times of India.
Picture: Odisha time
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