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Free Education For Covid Orphans In Odisha





Free Education For Covid Orphans In Odisha

As the deadly second Covid wave continues to claim lives across the country, the administration has come forward to take care of children orphaned by the pandemic in many States. Odisha too has announced robust measures to secure the future of such children left vulnerable by the Novel Coronavirus.

In a major development, the State government has announced that it will provide free education to all children who have been lost their parents to Covid-19. These kids will be included in the Green Passage scheme which was earlier launched to provide higher education to all orphans free of cost.

Advisor to Women and Child Development department Sulata Deo said under the scheme, the government will bear the entire educational expenses of orphans studying in both schools and colleges. This includes the cost of admission, tuition and examination fees in engineering, medical and other technical education.

“The scheme will be implemented to cover the education cost of Covid-19 orphans at all level. If the orphaned kid is studying in any private institution, the government will bear the costs as well,” she informed.

Sources said so far, 35 children in Odisha have lost both their parents due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The orphaned children will also be entitled to a pension of Rs 2,000 per month. Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability Ashok Panda further informed that kids who have lost both the parents in Covid-19 will be included in the ‘Madhu Babu Pension Scheme’ and provided Rs 300 per month.

The beneficiaries will be given an advance pension for the months of June, July and August.

The government’s announcement for Covid orphans has been appreciated by people from all sections of the society. Renowned social activist and Honorary Member of District Legal Services Authority (Bhubaneswar Court ) Jayashree Mohapatra termed it as a welcome step. This scheme would not only be beneficial for orphaned children to pursue their dreams but also contribute to build a better society. “Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s decision to support the children impacted by Covid-19 is a bright example of his people-centric policies. The people of Odisha are proud of him and his extraordinary leadership,” she added.

Author: Sheela Pattanayak

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