Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), July 5: In an effort to boost school attendance, the Odisha government has introduced a novel initiative for students residing in remote and distant areas. Recognizing that many students discontinue schooling due to long travel distances, the government will now cover transportation expenses for such students.
The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has notified all district education officers (DEOs) about this decision, aimed at benefitting 35,076 students across 30 districts of the state. The initiative targets reducing dropout rates and enhancing regular attendance.
Under the scheme, students attending primary schools located over one kilometer away will receive financial support for transportation. Similarly, students of upper primary schools traveling more than 3 kilometers and secondary school students residing beyond 5 kilometers from their schools will also receive transportation allowances.
Officials specified that each eligible student will receive Rs 6,000 annually for transportation costs. The allowance is contingent upon students maintaining over 75 percent attendance throughout the academic year.
Odisha to provide financial aid for school commute in remote areas
