Odisha Government's New Scheme Boosts Tribal Student Support

The Odisha government announced a new scheme, 'Madho Singh Haath Kharch Yojana,' offering Rs 5,000 annual financial assistance to around three lakh tribal students. This initiative aims to reduce dropout rates by supporting students transitioning to higher grades. The scheme, backed with a Rs 156 crore budget, will launch this year.

The Odisha government unveiled a significant initiative on Thursday, providing Rs 5,000 in annual financial assistance to roughly three lakh tribal students for their education. This announcement was made by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling during an Assembly session.

The scheme, named 'Madho Singh Haath Kharch Yojana,' targets students who have passed the 8th or 10th grade and are advancing to the 9th or 11th grade, respectively, offering them crucial monetary support. This decision was ratified during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Minister Mahaling emphasized that the initiative, with a budget allocation of Rs 156 crore, will help curb dropout rates amongst tribal students at the secondary education level, a pressing concern for the state government.

(With inputs from agencies.)