The Green Passage Scheme was launched in 2016-17 by the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha, to support orphaned children and children without biological/adoptive parents in pursuing higher education.
Revised in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme now also covers children who lost their single or both parents due to COVID-19. Under this scheme, all educational fees and hostel charges are waived, and eligible students are provided free accommodation and food at educational institutions.
Benefits
Full exemption of educational fees, including:
- Application fees
- Admission/re-admission fees
- Tuition fees
- Examination fees
- Hostel admission fees
- Laboratory fees
- Library fees
- College development fees
Accommodation & Food:
- Free hostel stay and meals for eligible students in government institutions.
- In non-government aided colleges, fees are exempted at admission and later reimbursed by the government.
- In non-government unaided institutions, students pay upfront and later seek reimbursement of up to ₹5,00,000 for the full course duration.
Eligibility
A student must meet any one of the following criteria:
- Be an orphan (without biological/adoptive parents).
- Lost both parents due to any cause.
- Lost a single bread-earning parent.
- Residing in a Child Care Institution (CCI), under foster care, a guardian, or a surviving parent.
- Annual income of the guardian/surviving parent must not exceed ₹8,00,000.
- Must be pursuing higher education (general/professional/technical education of at least one-year duration after Class 12 in a government or non-government institution).
Application Process
Offline Application
Case 1: Child from a Child Care Institution (CCI)
- Apply through the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO).
- DCPO issues the certification for the Green Passage Scheme.
Case 2: Child in Foster Care/Guardian’s Care
- DCPO issues certification based on:
- Recommendation of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
- Income Certificate from the Tahasildar.
Case 3: Children of COVID-19 Victims
- Submit the Specially Cared Child Certificate/I-Card for identification.
- Provide Income Certificate from the concerned Tahasildar.
Documents to be submitted:
- Annexure-I: Application Form for Green Passage Scheme.
- Annexure-II: Recommendation by the Child Welfare Committee (if applicable).
- Annexure-III: Certification issued by the DCPO.
Documents Required
Aadhaar Card
Residential Certificate
Bank Account Passbook
Passport-size Photograph
Death Certificate of Parent(s)
Income Certificate of Guardian (if applicable)
Proof of Enrolment into the Current Course
Previous Educational Qualification Marksheet/Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When was the “Green Passage Scheme” launched?
A: It was launched in 2016-17 by the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha.
Q: What changes were made during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: The scheme was extended to cover children who lost a single or both parents due to COVID-19.
Q: What fees are exempted under the scheme?
A: All educational fees, including tuition, admission, examination, hostel, library, and laboratory fees, are covered.
Q: Are there any benefits besides fee exemption?
A: Yes, free accommodation and food are provided in government institutions.
Q: How is the fee reimbursed in non-government colleges?
A:
- In non-government aided colleges, fees are exempted at admission and later reimbursed by the government.
- In non-government unaided institutions, students pay upfront and later apply for reimbursement (up to ₹5,00,000 for the full course duration).
Q: Where can I get the application form for the Green Passage Scheme?
A: The application form can be obtained from the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) or relevant authorities.
Q: Is there an income eligibility criterion?
A: Yes, the guardian/foster parent/surviving parent must have an annual income of ₹8,00,000 or less.
Q: What type of courses are covered under this scheme?
A: Any higher education course (general, professional, or technical) of at least one-year duration after Class 12.
Q: How do children in Child Care Institutions (CCI) apply?
A: They apply through the DCPO, who issues certification for the scheme.
Q: What if a child lost a parent due to COVID-19?
A: They must submit the Specially Cared Child Certificate/I-Card along with an Income Certificate from the Tahasildar.
Q: Is the Death Certificate of parents mandatory?
A: Yes, it is required to verify eligibility.