In yet another populist measure, the State Government on Tuesday decided to provide free school uniforms to Class IX and X students in schools run by the Scheduled Tribe and Schedule Caste Development Department.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the scheme will be funded by Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). A total of 41,995 students would benefit.
The State Government through the Odisha Primary Education Programme Authority (OPEPA) is providing free uniforms to students up to Class VIII in all Government-run schools while those in Class X are being given bicycles. These efforts have helped reduce the dropout rate in schools, a release said.