Bhubaneswar: More than 4,700 applications under the Banishree Scholarship Scheme for students with disabilities are pending in Odisha, prompting the state government to direct District Social Security Officers (DSSOs) to clear the backlog within 15 days, warning that no further extension will be granted.
In a letter marked “Most Urgent”, the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) on Friday said delays in processing applications were adversely affecting the timely sanction and disbursement of financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries.
According to the department, 4,144 applications are pending at the institutional level, while another 593 cases are awaiting disposal at the district level, taking the total number of pending applications to 4,737. Of the district-level cases, 20 have been categorised as “Recommended Pending” and 573 as “Reverted”.
The department has instructed DSSOs to personally monitor the pendency of applications in their respective districts and coordinate with educational institutions to ensure that all pending cases are scrutinised and forwarded without delay. Officials have also been directed to dispose of all pending and reverted applications strictly in accordance with the scheme guidelines.
Describing the current extension as the final opportunity to clear the backlog for the academic year 2025–26, the department cautioned that any delay beyond the stipulated period due to inaction or negligence would be viewed seriously, and the concerned District Social Security Officer would be held responsible.
The Banishree Scholarship Scheme provides financial assistance to students with disabilities in Odisha to support their education and promote inclusive learning opportunities.
