Bhubaneswar: Students living with HIV and those from HIV-affected families in Odisha will get better access to financial assistance for higher education, with the Odisha State AIDS Control Society (OSACS) and the Higher Education department deciding to strengthen coordination to ensure eligible beneficiaries do not miss out on government support.
The decision was taken during a meeting between OSACS project director Dr Akshay Kumar Satpathy and Higher Education director Kaliprasanna Mahapatra.
Dr Satpathy, who recently assumed charge at OSACS, said the meeting focused on identifying eligible students from HIV/AIDS-affected families and facilitating their access to the Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana (GSSY), a state government scheme that provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education.
HIV/AIDS-affected families are among the categories covered under the scheme. Students whose father, mother or both parents are affected by HIV/AIDS can avail themselves of the assistance, subject to the prescribed eligibility criteria. Students living with HIV are also eligible for assistance under the scheme.
Under the GSSY, eligible students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses receive annual financial assistance of Rs 20,000. Students enrolled in non-technical, technical and professional courses can also benefit from the scheme as per the applicable guidelines.
The assistance is aimed at helping students meet education-related expenses, including study materials, transportation and other academic requirements.
Officials said the meeting also focused on identifying eligible students who may not be benefiting from the scheme due to a lack of awareness about the financial assistance or the application process.
OSACS service centres at the district level and partner organisations will step up outreach among young people from HIV-affected families who are pursuing higher education. They will provide information about the scheme and help eligible students understand the process of availing the assistance.
The Red Ribbon Clubs (RRCs) functioning in colleges will also be mobilised to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS among students and promote a discrimination-free and dignified learning environment for those living with HIV.
