The Green Passage Scheme is a landmark initiative by the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha, launched in 2016-17. It aims to provide free higher education to children without biological/adoptive parents and those who have lost one or both parents, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this scheme, eligible students are exempted from all major educational fees and, in many cases, provided with free accommodation and food.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Green Passage Scheme
• Launched By: Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha
• Target Group: Orphaned or vulnerable students, including COVID-19 orphans
• Benefit Type: Full fee waiver and reimbursement up to ₹5,00,000 (for private institutions)
• Mode of Application: Offline via DCPO/Child Welfare Committee
• Education Level: Any general/professional/technical course of at least 1-year duration after Class 12
Benefits
Fee Exemption
Covers the following:
• Application fees
• Admission/re-admission fees
• Tuition and examination fees
• Hostel admission, laboratory, and library fees
• College development fees
Additional Benefits
• Free food and accommodation in institutions (where available)
• Reimbursement up to ₹5,00,000 for students in unaided private institutions
Note: Fee exemptions differ by institution type (Govt., Aided, or Unaided)
Eligibility Criteria
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Who can apply:
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Students who have no biological or adoptive parents
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Students who lost both parents or the sole bread-earning parent
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Students under foster care, residing in a Child Care Institution, or under the care of a guardian/fit person
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Income Criteria:
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Annual income of the guardian/fit person/surviving parent must be less than ₹8,00,000
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Course Requirement:
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Student must be pursuing higher education (general/technical/professional) of at least 1 year duration after Class 12
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Course must be in a Government or recognized private higher education institution
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Application Process
Offline Process Based on Student Category
1. Inmate of Child Care Institution (CCI):
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Apply through District Child Protection Officer (DCPO)
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DCPO issues the Green Passage Certificate using Annexure III
2. Under Foster Care / Guardian / Fit Person:
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Apply through DCPO based on:
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Recommendation from the Child Welfare Committee (Annexure II)
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Income certificate from the local Tahasildar
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Submit Annexure I application
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3. Children of COVID-19 Victims:
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Must submit:
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Specially Cared Child Certificate/I-Card
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Death Certificate of parent(s)
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Income certificate from Tahasildar
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Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card
• Residential Certificate
• Bank Passbook Copy
• Passport-size Photograph
• Death Certificate(s) of parent(s)
• Income Certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of Admission/Enrollment
• Previous Qualification Marksheet
• Relevant Annexures (I, II, III as applicable)
Institution-wise Benefit Disbursal
| Institution Type | Fee Benefit Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Government Institutions | Fee exempted directly at admission upon valid documents |
| Govt. Aided Institutions | Fees exempted at admission, reimbursed by Govt. |
| Private Unaided Institutions | Student pays first, reimbursed up to ₹5,00,000 by Govt. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When Was The “Green Passage Scheme” Launched?
The “Green Passage Scheme” was launched in the year 2016-17. - Which Department Manages This Scheme?
The “Green Passage Scheme” is managed by the Higher Education Dept., Govt. of Odisha. - What Amendments Were Made To The Scheme During The COVID-19 Pandemic?
After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme was revised to as well cover children who lost their both parents or single parent during the COVID-19 pandemic. - What All Type Of Fees Gets Exempted Through This Scheme?
The fees like application fees, admission/readmission fees, tuition fees, examination fees, hostel admission fees, laboratory fees, library fees, college development fees, etc. will be exempted. - Are There Any Benefits Other Than Fee Exemption?
Yes, the institutions will also provide free accommodation and food to such students. - How Will The Fees Be Reimbursed In Case Of Non-Government Aided Colleges?
In the case of Non-Government Aided Colleges, fees will be exempted at the time of admission and would be reimbursed by Government on submission of required documents/vouchers by the institution to Government in Higher Education Department. - Where Can I Find The Link To The Application Form For The “Green Passage Scheme”?
The Application Form for the “Green Passage Scheme” can be found at –
https://dhe.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-06/GREEN%20PASSAGE-4-10.pdf - Is There Any Income-Related Eligibility Criteria For This Scheme?
Yes, the annual income of the guardian/ fit person/ surviving parent (from all sources) does not exceed ₹ 8,00,000. - Is There Any Criteria With Respect To The Type Of Course That The Student Should Be Pursuing In Order To Be Eligible For This Scheme?
Yes, the student should be pursuing higher education in any Government or Non-Government Higher Education Institution (i.e., College & University). Here “higher education” would mean general/professional/ technical education of at least 1-year duration after Class-12. - What Shall Be The Process Of Application If The Child Is Or Was An Inmate Of A Child Care Institution?
If the child is or was an inmate of a Child Care Institution, the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) will issue the certificate to avail of the benefits of the Green Passage Scheme. - Where Can I Find The Format For The Recommendation By Child Welfare Committee?
The recommendation by Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for availing benefits under Green Passage Scheme can be found in Annexure-II of the scheme guidelines. - What Shall Be The Process Of Application For The Children Of COVID-19 Victims?
In the case of children of COVID-19 victims, they have to submit the Specially Cared Child Certificate/ I-Card for identification and income certificate from the concerned Tahasildar for consideration. - What Shall Be The Process Of Application Child Is Or Was An Inmate Of A Child Care Institution?
Case 1: If the child is or was an inmate of a Child Care Institution, the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) will issue the certificate to avail of the benefits of the Green Passage Scheme. - Is The Death Certificate Of Parent/Parents A Mandatory Document?
Yes, the Death Certificate of the Parent/Parents should be submitted mandatorily along with the application.