Bhubaneswar, April 2: Nearly 3.58 lakh poor girl students of Odisha were deprived of availing scholarship worth Rs 107 crore under various schemes during 2009-14, even as around 3.6 lakh girls dropped out at the upper primary (Classes V-VII) level during 2013-14.
The recent CAG report revealed that out of 17.80 lakh girls enrolled in Classes I-IV during 2009-10, only 14.22 lakh girls were found pursuing their studies in Classes V-VII during 2013-14.
A number of scholarship schemes launched for SC/ ST girl students to promote their enrolment in elementary and secondary schools have remained unutilised in the state.
The CAG report revealed that only 35,854 girls were sanctioned incentives against the total enrolment of 4.91 lakh SC/ST girl students. Figures indicate that a mere seven per cent of eligible girls could actually avail it.
Educationists rue the government apathy in ensuring that the beneficiaries get the incentive so that the retention of school students, especially in tribal areas is maintained.
"Scholarships are being provided to encourage retention and check drop out. But unfortunately, students are being deprived of scholarships," said S.N. Mohanty, former principal of BJB College.
Both the state government and the Centre have come up with schemes such as the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE), Pre-Matric Scholarship (PMS), Odidha Girls Incentive Programme that are being implemented in the state.
As per NSGSE, Rs 3,000 is deposited under fixed deposit in a public sector bank or in a post office in the name of every eligible ST/SC girl student who passes class VIII.
However, although 4.91 lakh were enrolled in Class IX during 2009-2014, the state government sent proposals for scholarships for 2.23 lakh girls only.
As many as 2.68 lakh girls remained uncovered under the scheme. The Centre did not consider proposals of 2010-2011 and 2011-12 due to delayed submission. Thus only 35,854 girls could get the benefit of the incentives.
It was also found that although 2.25 lakh SC/ST girl students were enrolled during 2013-14, only 2.07 lakh students were covered under the Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme.
Educationists have blamed the lack of initiative by the government officials. "This is enough indication of inadequate action by the government to provide the rightful incentives to girl students," said Surabhi Panigrahi, an education activist.
The dropout rate of ST/SC students in the state stood at 17.44 and 13.90, per cent, respectively during 2013-14. A senior officer dealing with the NSGSE said: "The scholarships could not be paid due to non- receipt of application in complete form."
He also admitted that no facilitating measures were currently in place to make the applicants complete the process and apply for the scholarships.
