Odisha Cabinet Approves `NUA-0 Scholarship’ to Propel Higher Education Access and Inclusivity

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards promoting higher education and fostering inclusivity, the Odisha Cabinet has given the green light to the implementation of the `NUA-0 Scholarship’ scheme. This initiative aims to open up higher education opportunities for students across the state, covering State Universities, Government and non-government aided colleges, including aided Sanskrit colleges and unaided private colleges, for those seeking admission through SAMS under the administrative control of the Higher Education Department.

Under the scheme, students will receive an annual scholarship of Rs. 9,000 for boys and Rs. 10,000 for girls. SC/ST students and children of construction workers pursuing UG/PG courses will be eligible for higher scholarship rates, amounting to Rs. 10,000/- and Rs. 11,000/- for male and female students, respectively.

It’s important to note that students already availing scholarships or financial assistance under the KALIA scheme for professional and technical courses will not be entitled to the NUA-0 Scholarship. Additionally, students with parents who are income tax payees, or are liable to pay income tax, or are regular employees in Government/PSUs/other government agencies/autonomous bodies, or receive grants as direct payments or block grants in the case of educational institutions, will not be eligible for this scholarship.

The scheme, spanning five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28, entails a total outlay of Rs. 3701.08 crores. This landmark initiative underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to providing inclusive and high-quality education, ensuring that no deserving student is left out due to financial constraints, according to an official release.