image credits: vishwakarmayojana.co.in
The ST & SC Development Department has announced the reopening of the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme, aimed at providing financial aid to students from these marginalized groups. This move, announced on January 21, 2025, signifies a renewed commitment to educational empowerment and inclusivity in Odisha.
Revival of the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme
The Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme, named in honor of the freedom fighter Madho Singh, was initially launched to support ST students by offering them financial incentives for enrolling in classes IX and XI.
The scheme’s objective is to reduce dropout rates and encourage higher education among tribal students. With its reopening from January 20th to January 31st, 2025, it underscores the government’s dedication to continuing this vital support.
Duration: The application window is open for a brief period from January 20th to January 31st, 2025.
Target Group: Primarily aimed at ST students, but also supports SC students.
Objective: To minimize educational dropouts and promote higher education enrollment.
Details of the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme
The scheme provides a one-time incentive of Rs 5000 to eligible ST students upon their enrollment in class IX or XI. This financial support is crucial in alleviating the economic burden that often hinders education. Here’s how the scheme operates:
Eligibility: ST students enrolling in class IX or XI are eligible.
Financial Aid: A lump sum of Rs 5000 is given to help cover educational expenses.
Application Process: Schools and educational institutions are responsible for submitting and recommending applications through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.
Broader Educational Welfare Initiatives
Alongside the Haath Kharcha Scheme, the ST & SC Development Department is also enhancing other welfare programs to ensure comprehensive support:
ST/SC and MBC Welfare: Online applications are now open for Pre-Matric Scholarships for students from ST, SC, and other backward classes (OBC) until January 31st, 2025. This initiative supports students from classes I to VIII.
Post-Matric Scholarships: For students in classes IX to XII and higher education, applications are open till February 15th, 2025.
EBC Scholarships: Economically Backward Classes (EBC) students can apply for scholarships till January 31st, 2025.
These scholarships aim to cover tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other educational expenses, thereby making education more accessible and less financially straining for underprivileged students.
Impact on Education and Community
The reopening of this scheme and the concurrent scholarship programs reflect a broader strategy to uplift the educational standards within Odisha’s tribal and SC communities:
Educational Retention: By providing financial incentives, the scheme directly addresses the financial barriers that lead to dropouts, especially in higher secondary education.
Community Development: Educated individuals from these communities are more likely to contribute to socio-economic development, fostering a cycle of progress.
Cultural Preservation: Education empowers these communities to preserve their cultural identity while integrating into mainstream society with dignity.
Government’s Role and Vision
The Odisha government, through the ST & SC Development Department, has been proactive in implementing welfare schemes that cater to the unique needs of its diverse population.
The commitment from the government officials, including the visit by Joint Secretary and Mission Director Ms. Roopa Mishra, highlights the priority given to these initiatives.
The government’s vision is clear – to create an inclusive educational environment where every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the opportunity to succeed.
Conclusion
As we celebrate this renewed focus on educational empowerment in Odisha, the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme stands as a testament to the state’s dedication to its people. Together, we can witness how initiatives like these are transforming lives, one student at a time.
