The Odisha Sahaya Scheme 2025, launched by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Government of Odisha, is a pioneering welfare initiative aimed at supporting beggars and children of beggars through education. Under this scheme, financial scholarships are awarded to students from this vulnerable group pursuing studies from Class 5 to postgraduate levels. The scheme ensures that children of socially marginalized communities have equal access to education and dignity.
Key Highlights
• State: Odisha
• Department: SSEPD, Government of Odisha
• Target Group: Beggars and children of beggars
• Applicable Levels: Pre-matric (Class 5–10), Post-matric (Class 11–PG), Professional courses
• Mode of Application: Offline via the Head of Institution
• Scholarship Duration: Max. 10 months per academic year
• Income Limit: Annual family income not exceeding ₹2,40,000
• Disbursement: Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) via DSSO
Benefits
Eligible students are awarded monthly scholarships based on their level of education:
| Education Level | Monthly Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Pre-Matric (Class 5 to 10) | ₹800 |
| Post-Matric (Class 11–12) | ₹1,000 |
| General Graduate / Postgraduate | ₹1,500 |
| Professional Degrees / Diplomas | ₹2,000 |
• Paid for a maximum of 10 months per academic year
• Scholarship continues from the month of admission until the session end, including the exam month
• Scholarship is still paid in case of medical absence (up to 3 months) with valid justification
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicant must be a bonafide resident of Odisha
• Must be a beggar or a child of a beggar
• Must be a regular student in a recognized institution in India
• Annual family income should not exceed ₹2,40,000
• The applicant must not be availing of any other scholarship from the Central/State Government
Exclusions
• Applicants who are not residents of Odisha
• Children not enrolled in recognized educational institutions
• Students already receiving benefits from another scholarship scheme
• Students with prolonged unexplained absence may lose scholarship eligibility
Application Process (Offline)
Step-by-Step Procedure:
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Download or collect the application (Annexure B) from the institution or official SSEPD source
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Fill the form and submit it to the Head of the Institution after admission
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The institution verifies and forwards the application to the District Social Security Officer (DSSO)
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DSSO scrutinizes applications and sends them for the Collector’s approval
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Upon sanction, DSSO ensures:
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Bank accounts are opened in the name of the student (if 18+)
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Joint accounts with parent/guardian (if below 18)
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The DSSO releases scholarship funds directly to the beneficiary’s account
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Institutions and DSSO submit Utilization Certificates (UCs) to the department annually
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card
• Domicile Certificate (Odisha residence proof)
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Bonafide Certificate from the institution
• Previous Academic Year Marksheet
• Income Certificate (≤ ₹2,40,000/year)
• Bank Account Details (student or joint account)
• Passport-size Photograph
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Odisha Sahaya Scheme?
The Odisha Sahaya Scheme is a scholarship program initiated by the Government of Odisha to provide financial assistance to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) for their pre-matric and post-matric education. - Who is eligible to apply for the Pre-Matric Scholarship under the Odisha Sahaya Scheme?
Students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) studying in classes 9th and 10th in Odisha schools are eligible to apply for the Pre-Matric Scholarship. - Who is eligible to apply for the Post-Matric Scholarship under the Odisha Sahaya Scheme?
Students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) pursuing higher education in colleges, universities, or technical/professional courses after passing the 10th class or equivalent are eligible for the Post-Matric Scholarship. - How can I apply for the Pre-Matric or Post-Matric Scholarship under the Odisha Sahaya Scheme?
To apply for the Pre-Matric or Post-Matric Scholarship, eligible students need to visit the official website of the Odisha Government’s Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. There, they can find the online application form and follow the instructions provided to complete the application process - What documents are required to apply for the Pre-Matric or Post-Matric Scholarship?
The following documents are generally required to apply for the Pre-Matric or Post-Matric Scholarship:
Caste certificate
Income certificate of the student’s parents/guardians
Aadhaar card or any other identification document
Mark sheets or certificates of the last qualifying examination
Bank account details of the student
Passport-sized photograph - Is there an income limit for availing the scholarship benefits under the Odisha Sahaya Scheme?
Yes, there is an income limit to be eligible for the scholarship. The income of the student’s parents/guardians from all sources should not exceed a certain amount, which may vary based on the category of the student (SC/ST/OBC) and the scholarship level (pre-matric/post-matric). Applicants falling under the specified income limit are eligible for the benefits - How are the scholarship beneficiaries selected?
The scholarship beneficiaries are selected based on their eligibility criteria, including caste category, income, and academic performance. In some cases, there might be a limited number of scholarships available, and hence, the final selection depends on the merit of the applicants. - What expenses are covered under the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship?
The Pre-Matric Scholarship covers expenses like tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other essential allowances to support the student’s education. The Post-Matric Scholarship covers a similar set of expenses for higher education, including course fees, maintenance allowance, and other specific allowances. - Is there any specific deadline for scholarship applications?
Yes, there is usually a deadline for scholarship applications. The specific dates for application submission are announced on the official website of the Odisha Government’s Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Applicants must submit their applications before the specified deadline to be considered for the scholarship. - How are the scholarship funds disbursed to the beneficiaries?
The scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the bank account of the eligible students. After the application review and selection process, the scholarship amount is transferred to the bank account details provided by the applicant during the application process.