A proposal of the higher education department in this regard, was approved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here today. As per the scheme, orphan students pursuing higher education from Plus-II level to post-graduation level, will no longer have to bear the education expenses.
As many as 16,382 orphan students lodged in 272 institutions across the state, will be exempted of admission fee, tuition fees and laboratory fees for higher studies. "Even they will be provided free hostel facilities and food," said a senior official quoting provisions of the Green Passage Scheme.
The state government will bear all cost of the orphan students.