Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The BJD alleges Odisha Govt fails ST & SC students because the government spends public revenue collected from poor citizens on self-promotion while withholding funds meant for student development. Senior General Secretary and ex-MP Pradeep Majhi and Party Media Coordinator Dr. Priyabrata Majhi addressed a press conference at Sankha Bhavan, strongly criticizing the government for neglecting its responsibilities toward ST & SC communities.
Mr. Pradeep Majhi stated that the previous BJD government launched the Anwesha scheme to provide ST & SC students opportunities to study in English medium schools and stay in Anwesha Hostels. The current government’s failure to provide financial support has pushed the scheme to the verge of closure. Officials have withheld funds meant for food and essential expenses in ashram schools and hostels for the past five months, creating a high risk of malnutrition among students. The government has not opened a single new school in the state, and its delivery mechanism has completely collapsed. Similarly, the government has not disbursed pre-matric or post-matric scholarships to students.
It is ironic that Odisha has a Tribal Chief Minister, who was also a teacher, yet the government forces ST & SC students into such dire conditions, jeopardizing the state’s future. The BJD strongly condemns this situation and demands immediate corrective action.
Dr. Priyabrata Majhi noted that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik established 1,762 residential schools for ST & SC students, the highest in India. Additionally, he set up 1,612 residential schools covering classes from primary to higher secondary, enrolling nearly 5.46 lakh students. The current government neglects these institutions, leaving them on the brink of collapse.
The BJD also highlighted that the BJP government promised “double engine, double development” but drastically reduced central allocations. Odisha received Rs. 200 crores under central sector schemes in 2024-25, but the government allocated only Rs. 150 crores this year. Although budgetary provisions exist for ST & SC students, the government has neither released funds on time nor ensured proper delivery.
The state claims to have adequate fertilizer, yet farmers do not receive it on time. Similarly, the government fails to release funds meant for ST & SC students. Despite promoting development loudly, the BJP has not opened a single new school or hostel for these students in the past 15 months.
Reports also reveal that several girls residing in hostels have become pregnant, raising serious concerns about their safety and protection. The BJD holds the Odisha Government fully responsible for failing to deliver justice to ST & SC communities.
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