Youth Empowerment in Odisha: Nua-O Scholarship Launch for Students

The recently announced Nua-O Scholarship has been officially launched, starting its distribution in Sambalpur, Devgarh, and Angul districts in the initial phase. As part of this initiative, female students have already received a payout of 10,000 rupees, and male students received 9,000 rupees added to their accounts. On March 5, scholarships will be distributed to students in 30 districts.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the scheme on Monday, emphasizing its impact on approximately 6 lakh students in the state. The New-O Scholarship aims to reduce financial pressures, ensuring that a lack of funds is not restricting students’ pursuit of higher education. Chief Minister Patnaik highlighted the importance of this scheme in creating the future of “New Odisha.”

Chief Minister Patnaik also announced the “Naveen Magic Card” for third-year and postgraduate students. The card, which is available for registration beginning March 5, provides benefits such as Wi-Fi access, book and travel discounts, career counseling, and job placement. The card can also be upgraded to the Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels.

V.K Pandian, Chairman of 5T, visited Sambalpur, Devgarh, and Angul on Monday to offer scholarships, claiming that the Chief Minister’s New Odisha plan will empower youth and create a new chapter in youth development.

Under the ‘Nua-O scholarship’ scheme, students in government universities, government-aided and unaided colleges, and Sanskrit institutions in Odisha are eligible for an annual stipend of Rs 9,000, with female students receiving Rs 10,000. Furthermore, children of SC, ST, and construction workers receive Rs 10,000, while daughters receive Rs 11,000. Children of permanent government employees or income-earning households are not eligible.

The ‘Nua-O Magic Smart Card,’ expected to be issued by August, will provide special facilities such as free WiFi during bus and train travel, online courses, skill development, and coaching programs. The government aims to strengthen Odisha and empower youth through this comprehensive initiative, making the state the first in the country to introduce a youth budget. The youth budget will contribute towards the development of the youth, aligning with the government’s vision for a stronger Odisha by 2036.

Students expressed gratitude for the scholarships, considering them a lifeline for those studying in challenging financial circumstances. The Chief Minister announced the implementation of the ‘New Scholarship’ scheme on February 13, benefiting 4.5 lakh graduate students and 32 thousand postgraduate students in the state.