Odisha CM approves ‘Green Passage’ scheme for higher education of orphans

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 17:

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today approved the ‘Green Passage’ scheme that intends to make higher studies easier for orphans in the state.

Under the scheme, the State Government will finance the admission fee, tuition fees and laboratory fees for higher studies of orphans students. They will also be provided free accommodation and food in hostels.

The scheme will cover students pursuing education starting from Plus II till doctoral degree level, said a release from the Chief Minister’s office.

“Education is a powerful tool to empower orphans. This scheme will not only facilitate higher education, but also open up avenues for a bright future (for the kids). This is a revolutionary step of the State Government,” said Patnaik.

The scheme, which will function under the Higher Education Department, will be rolled out across all government, private and government-aided colleges and universities of the state.

The state, as of now, has 16,382 orphan students housed in 272 institutions.