Odisha Launches Kanya Sumangal Yojana to Support Girls’ Education Till Graduation

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the educational journey of girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday unveiled Kanya Sumangal Yojana, a comprehensive support scheme designed to ensure uninterrupted education of girls up to the graduation level.

Announcing the scheme while presenting the Odisha Budget for 2026–27 in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the state government will deposit ₹20,000 in the name of each eligible girl child to help meet educational expenses and reduce the financial burden on families. The initiative seeks to directly address dropout rates, especially during higher secondary and college education.

In a significant boost for higher education, Majhi announced an incentive of ₹1.00001 lakh for beneficiaries who successfully complete their graduation. The incentive aims to motivate girls to pursue degree courses and delay early withdrawal from education due to financial challenges.

Stressing the transformative potential of the scheme, the Chief Minister said education is the most powerful tool for women’s empowerment and social mobility. “By investing in the education of our daughters, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous Odisha,” he said.

The scheme is expected to enhance enrolment, retention and completion rates among girl students, particularly in economically weaker households, and contribute to long-term socio-economic development.