RAYAGADA: Two months have passed since the 2016-17 academic year began in schools here, but tribal students selected under Anwesha scheme of the State Government are yet to enter classrooms. Reason: There are no hostels for them.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had in December 2015 launched the Anwesha scheme, under which 5,000 SC and ST children would annually be enrolled into Standard I in leading private schools in urban areas of the State. The State Government would bear all expenses for education of the students under Anwesha which is being implemented in 17 districts, including Rayagada. The education fees (`25,000 annually) and expenses for uniform, books, hostel accommodation as well transportation will be borne by the Government.
Children selected for Anwesha scheme in Rayagada are yet to get into their schools as there are no hostels to accommodate them.
District Welfare Officer Abhimanyu Mohapatra said of 550 students selected under the scheme, 110 will study in urban area of Gunupur and the rest 440 in different private schools in Rayagada urban area. He admitted to the problem and said hostel arrangements will be completed within a few weeks. “Suitable accommodation is required for these children on the school campuses and as there are no additional hostels, provisions are being made,” he said.
Contacted, ADM Laxmikant Behera said construction of the hostels in selected schools is on and the buildings will be handed over to the administration within a week. After this, students will be brought to schools, he added.
Interestingly, the Rayagada Assembly segment is represented by Lal Bihari Himirika, who is the Tribal Welfare Minister.