Awareness Camp and assessment visit by NLUO CTS on Scholarship Schemes in Valmiki Nagar, Cuttack under KUTUMB Initiative on 27th July 2024
On July 27, 2024, the NLUO Centre for Tribal Studies (CTS) conducted an evaluation visit to Valmiki Nagar, CDA Sector 13, Cuttack (Kutumb Village). The purpose of the visit was to assess the effectiveness of pre- and post-matric scholarship schemes and to conduct an awareness camp. The visit focused on three key schemes:
- Union Government’s Pre-Matric Scholarship: Offers financial assistance of up to 5,000 Rupees to day scholars and hostellers in classes 9 and 10, helping them continue their education without financial barriers.
- Odisha Government’s Post-Matric Scholarship under Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chatra Protsahan Yojna: Provides support to ST and SC students pursuing higher education. Available to both day scholars and hostellers, this scholarship ensures that meritorious students receive the necessary financial support.
- Akanshya Scheme: Provides free accommodation to post-matric ST/SC students, alleviating housing costs and allowing them to focus on their studies.
The visit was conducted under the guidance of CTS faculty members Mr. Kumarjeeb Pegu and Mr. Vijay Bhaskar, with planning and direction provided by Dr. Survashree Panda. The team was assisted by Mr. Durbadala Mantry and included student members Harsh Lakra, Batchu Simha Valli Naga Satwika, Surbhi Lakra, Supriya Kumari, and Rahul Ranjan.
At “Rathasahu Sarkari Prathamic Vidyalaya,” the team held a formal discussion with Anganwadi teaching staff and Headmistress Ms. Hilary Lenka. The discussion focused on the three government-sponsored schemes benefiting Scheduled Tribes (ST). The teaching staff committed to informing students and their parents about these schemes and agreed to compile a list of eligible students to facilitate access to these benefits. They have assured that the list will be forwarded to Mr. Mantry in due course.
Following the school visit, the CTS team engaged with the local community and had a productive dialogue with Mr. Mohan Hansda, the village youth leader, and other village members. Several challenges were identified, including a lack of awareness and missing documentation such as caste and income certificates. Mr. Hansda, in coordination with Mr. Mantry and with assistance from Mr. Pegu and Mr. Bhaskar, has agreed to compile a list of eligible candidates from the area for availing benefits under these schemes.
The CTS team also interacted directly with villagers to raise awareness about the three government-sponsored schemes. Information was provided to several eligible candidates, explaining the benefits and the application process.
Based on the visit, CTS plans to compile data on the number of beneficiaries eligible for the schemes. By August 2, 2024, the Centre will prepare and share a list of eligible students from the village with the NLUO Legal Services Committee (LSC) for further processing of applications as per their request.
