Naveen Patnaik launches Odisha Girls Incentive scheme for STs, SCs

BARIPADA(ODISHA): In a bid to bring more girls to schools, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched the Odisha Girls Incentive Programme for tribal and dalit girls studying in standards nine and ten.

The scheme, funded by the state government, Centre and DFID, would benefit 2.5 lakh girl students belonging to scheduled tribe and scheduled caste communities.

"We are committed to empower girls and women," Patnaik said after launching the scheme in Odisha's tribal-dominated Mayrubhanj district.

Under the scheme the beneficiaries would get Rs 3,200 each as annual scholarship which would be directly credited to the bank accounts of the respective students.

This programme was taken up by the state government as a special incentive for enhancement of academic performance along with improving life skills of the ST & SC girl students.

He also flagged off the emergency ambulance services for all 26 blocks of the district.

State Health Minister Damodar Rout, who attended the function, criticised the negligence and apathetic attitude of the Centre over establishment of four medical colleges in the state.