The Banishree Scholarship, launched by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Government of Odisha, aims to financially assist students with special needs. The scheme encourages students to continue their education and acquire technical, professional, or vocational training by providing special allowances to help overcome financial barriers.
Benefits
A. Scholarship for Students Studying Inside Odisha
| Education Level | Scholarship Amount (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Primary (Class I to V) | ₹400/- |
| Middle & High School (Class VI to X) (Not covered under Govt. of India Scholarship) | ₹500/- |
| College (+2 & +3) (Not covered under Govt. of India Scholarship) | ₹600/- |
| Post-Graduation (Not covered under Govt. of India Scholarship) | ₹700/- |
| Technical/Vocational Training (Not covered under Govt. of India Scholarship) | ₹700/- |
B. Scholarship for Students Studying Outside Odisha
- Students pursuing general, technical, vocational, or professional education outside Odisha (not available in the state and not covered by Govt. of India Scholarships) will receive ₹250 per month.
C. Additional Allowances
-
Reader’s Allowance for Visually Impaired Students
- Primary (Class I to V): ₹200/- per month
- Middle & High School (Class VI to X): ₹300/- per month
- Higher Education: ₹400/- per month
(The candidate must provide certification from the Head of the Institution confirming continuous employment of a reader.)
-
Transport Allowance for Orthopedically Handicapped Students (75% or more disability)
- ₹200/- per month (if not covered under any other scheme).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Banishree Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a bonafide resident of Odisha.
- Be a regular student in an educational institution.
- Belong to a financially weaker family (Parental/Family income should not exceed ₹60,000 per annum).
- Not receive financial assistance from any other State or Central Government scholarship scheme.
- Be enrolled in any of the following:
- Primary Education (Class I to V)
- Middle & High School (Class VI to X) – Not covered by Govt. of India Scholarship
- Colleges/Universities – Not covered by Govt. of India Scholarship
- Special Schools (registered under PWD Act, 1995, but not receiving grant-in-aid from Govt.)
- Distance Education from recognized universities or government institutes
- Technical, Vocational, or Professional Training Institutes
Note:
- Students will continue receiving the scholarship even if they fail a year, provided they are enrolled and attending classes regularly.
Exclusions
- Students already receiving financial aid under any State or Central Government scholarship program.
Application Process
Online Application Process
- Visit the official website: https://ssepd.odisha.gov.in/
- In the “Beneficiary Services” section, click “Banishree Scholarship”.
- You will be redirected to the Online Application Form.
- Choose the appropriate option:
- New Application
- Recommended Application from Principal/Head of Institution
- Click “Proceed” and enter your Aadhaar details for verification.
- After Aadhaar verification, the application form will open.
- Fill in the required details including:
- UDID Certificate Number
- Upload your signature and that of your guardian/spouse
- Click “Submit”.
- After submission, download and print the system-generated application form for future reference.
Documents Required
Each application must be accompanied by:
- Disability Certificate (issued by the Medical Board).
- Income Certificate (issued by a Revenue Officer of rank Tahasildar or above).
- (BPL students do not require an Income Certificate.)
- Mark sheets of the last examination passed (attested by a Gazetted Officer or the Head of Institution).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the benefits under the Banishree Scholarship Scheme?
The scheme provides monthly financial assistance ranging from ₹400 to ₹700, depending on the level of education. Additional allowances are provided for visually impaired and orthopedically handicapped students.
Q: What is the eligibility criteria?
Applicants must be:
- Residents of Odisha
- Students with disabilities studying in recognized institutions
- From families with an annual income below ₹60,000
- Not availing of any other government scholarship
Q: How to apply online?
Students must apply via the Odisha SSEPD Portal (https://ssepd.odisha.gov.in/) by completing Aadhaar-based verification and filling in the online application form.
Q: What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a Disability Certificate, Income Certificate, and last examination mark sheet.
Q: Can a student apply if they fail a class?
Yes, students can continue receiving the scholarship as long as they remain enrolled and attend classes regularly.
Q: Can students studying outside Odisha apply?
Yes, but only if the course is not available in Odisha and is not covered by a Government of India scholarship.
Sources & References
- Official Website: Odisha SSEPD Portal
- Guidelines