Bhubaneswar, May 16: The state government has decided to offer “Pathani Samanta scholarships” to encourage students from rural areas who excel in mathematics and science. A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by chief minister Naveen Patnaik today.

Named after eminent astronomer Pathani Samanta, this incentive would be provided by the school and mass education department from next year.

All poor meritorious students in rural Oriya-medium government schools, both aided and unaided, are expected to be covered under this scheme. For this purpose, an amount of Rs 20crore has been sanctioned.

“Promising talents in our rural schools, who perform well in mathematics and science subjects, will benefit from this merit-based scholarship. A total of 4,440 students between Classes VI to XII can apply under this scheme. This move has been made for the rapid progress of state literacy levels and to motivate the students to strive for excellence,” said an official.

To choose the deserving candidates, a selection procedure will be conducted in three stages for students from Classes VI to XII. A total of 3,140 students (10 from each block) in Classes VI, VII and VIII would be selected. These students would receive an annual scholarship of Rs 200. While a total of 1,000 students from Classes IX and X would get an yearly scholarship of Rs 300, 300 students from Classes XI and XII would be provided Rs 500 each.