Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government will bear the educational expenses of Malkangiri's tribal girl Karma Muduli, who had emerged as the district topper in Plus Two Commerce Examinations last year and was working as a labourer.

Karma, who hails from Padeiguda village under Khairput block in the district, had been working as a daily labourer to meet the expenses of her education as her parents, who also work as daily wagers, are unable to afford it. She is currently a student of +3 First Year in Rama Devi Womens' University, Bhubaneswar.

As several media reports regarding her struggle surfaced, the district administration sent Malkangiri DWO and Khairput WEO to visit the work site near the District Headquarters Hospital on Tuesday.

As per a report submitted by the officials, she came to her village during the summer vacation and started working as a labourer. She will return to her college after the vacation for Second Semester Examination.

During 2022-23 academic session, she had received an amount of Rs 13,100 towards post-matric scholarship. Her family has been receiving livelihood support under OPELIP scheme of Bonda Development Agency, Mudulipada. Her parents have been availing old age pension under MBPY scheme, the report added.

Karma told the officials that her expenditure for studying in the varsity is around Rs 3,000 per month. 

The Malkangiri Collector has assured to provide her financial assistance from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to meet her educational expenses.