Odisha Cabinet Hikes Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarships for ST/SC Hostel Students

Bhubaneswar, Nov 21 : In a move to support students from Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC), the Odisha government has approved an increase in pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for hostel boarders. The decision, part of the Mukhya Mantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana, was taken at a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The enhancement aims to help students cope with the rising costs of food and essential commodities across the state. According to the Chief Secretary, the annual scholarship for boy boarders has been raised from Rs 10,500 to Rs 16,000, while that for girl boarders has increased from Rs 11,000 to Rs 17,000. These benefits are applicable to ST/SC students from Shishu Vatika up to Class X residing in hostels.

For students staying in ANWESHWA hostels, the pre-matric scholarship has also been increased from Rs 11,000 to Rs 17,000 per annum. Likewise, the post-matric scholarship—covering mess management costs—for ST/SC boarders in Higher Secondary Schools (Classes XI–XII) run by the ST/SC Development and M & BCW Departments has been raised to Rs 16,000 for boys and Rs 17,000 for girls per year.

The government stated that the move is aimed at ensuring better educational support for underprivileged students and encouraging higher retention rates in hostels across the state.