Bhubaneswar, June 9: The Odisha government has assured complete support for the higher education of Manas Dehuri, a meritorious tribal student from Keonjhar district, after his financial hardships came to light through media reports. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to ensure that all obstacles in Manas' educational journey are removed and that he receives the necessary assistance to pursue studies at a college of his choice.
According to official sources, the government is seriously considering Manas' online application for admission to his preferred institution. The Chief Minister has also instructed authorities to extend similar support to other deserving students from economically weaker sections.
Following the Chief Minister's directions, the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Department has asked the Keonjhar district administration to take immediate steps to address the student's problems. Efforts were made by the Chief Minister's Office to contact Manas, but communication could not be established due to the absence of mobile network connectivity in his remote village.
The district administration has been directed to include Manas' family under various welfare schemes, including housing and Antyodaya benefits. Officials have also been asked to ensure sanction of widow pension benefits, if pending, and provide Rs 20,000 assistance under the National Family Benefit Scheme. In addition, Manas will be provided with a laptop and all expenses required for hostel accommodation and higher studies will be borne by the government.
The Governor has also taken note of the matter and instructed the district administration to provide immediate assistance to the student.
The issue gained attention after media reports highlighted the struggles of Manas Dehuri, a resident of Sudang village under Nayakote Panchayat in Banspal block of Keonjhar district. Despite securing 85 per cent marks in the Plus-II examination, he was reportedly tending goats due to financial constraints while aspiring to continue his education.
After learning about his situation, the Chief Minister's Office collected detailed information and directed the Higher Education Department and the district administration to facilitate his admission and further studies.
A team comprising Welfare Extension Officer Anurag Baral and Paudi Bhuyan Development Agency Special Officer Pradeep Naik visited the village and conducted a preliminary inquiry. Manas informed officials that the family's poor financial condition following his father's death had made it difficult for him to pursue higher education.
District Welfare Officer Bikash Kumar Mohanty said tribal students staying in hostels for higher studies are entitled to financial assistance of Rs 17,500. Additionally, Rs 20,000 will be provided under the Gopabandhu Education Assistance Scheme. He added that a report has already been submitted to the district collector and steps are being taken to facilitate Manas' admission and release the financial assistance at the earliest.
