Thousands of differently-abled students across Odisha are one step closer to receiving long-overdue financial support after the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department issued a firm directive to resolve all pending Banishree scholarship applications within the next 15 days.
In a strongly worded letter to all District Collectors, Additional Secretary Sonia Behera, OAS, has made it clear that this is the final extension. Any further delay due to negligence will result in direct accountability for the concerned District Social Security Officers (DSSOs).
According to the department’s latest data, 4,144 applications remain pending at the educational institution level, while 593 applications are stuck at the district level (20 marked as “recommended pending” and 573 as “reverted”). This brings the total unresolved cases to 4,737 for the 2025-26 academic year.
Despite repeated instructions, a large number of applications have been languishing at both school and district levels, depriving eligible specially-abled students of timely financial assistance.
Key Instructions Issued
- DSSOs must personally review all pending applications in their districts.
- Coordinate immediately with all subordinate educational institutions for quick verification.
- Decide all district-level cases strictly as per the scheme guidelines.
- Complete the entire exercise within the next 15 days.
The department has described the matter as “extremely urgent” and warned that this is the last opportunity to clear the backlog.
About the Bani Shree Scholarship
The Banshree scheme provides crucial monthly scholarships ranging from ₹400 to ₹700 to differently-abled students from primary level up to higher and technical education. Visually impaired students also receive readers’ allowance, while those with severe mobility impairments get transport allowance.
Delays in processing have meant that many deserving students have been unable to access this vital support on time, affecting their education and daily needs.
The department’s firm stance signals a strong push to ensure that no eligible specially-abled student is left waiting any longer.
