Bhubaneswar, Sept. 1 (UDN): In a major relief for economically disadvantaged students, the Odisha government has decided that eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students seeking admission to government medical and engineering colleges will no longer have to pay admission-related fees immediately.
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Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed authorities to allow poor and meritorious SC and ST students facing financial hardship to secure admission first and pay the prescribed fees within six months. The move is intended to ensure that deserving candidates do not lose their seats because they are unable to arrange funds at the time of admission.
Relief until scholarship funds arrive
According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), many students receive scholarships from both the Central and Odisha governments. However, the disbursement of these scholarships often takes three to four months, creating a financial gap during the admission process.
Under the new arrangement, eligible students will be allowed to complete admission and continue their studies without depositing admission, tuition and other prescribed fees immediately. They can clear the dues after receiving their scholarship assistance, within the permitted six-month period.
Addressing financial barriers
The decision comes in response to concerns that several students who successfully qualify for competitive examinations struggle to arrange the required admission fees despite being entitled to scholarship support.
The state government believes the measure will help prevent financial constraints from becoming a barrier to higher education in professional courses and provide greater access to medical and engineering education for deserving SC and ST students.
Guidelines to be issued
The Odisha government will soon issue detailed guidelines specifying eligibility criteria, procedures and conditions for availing the fee-deferment facility at government medical and engineering institutions across the state.