Students living with HIV and those from HIV‑affected families in Odisha will now have improved access to financial assistance for higher education, following a decision by the Odisha State AIDS Control Society (OSACS) and the Higher Education Department to strengthen coordination.
The move aims to ensure that eligible beneficiaries do not miss out on support under the Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana (GSSY), which provides Rs 20,000 annually to students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Assistance also extends to those enrolled in technical and professional programmes.
OSACS project director Dr Akshay Kumar Satpathy and Higher Education director Kaliprasanna Mahapatra discussed strategies to identify eligible students and streamline access to the scheme.
Students whose parents are affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as those living with HIV, are covered under the scheme. The aid is intended to help meet education‑related expenses such as study materials, transportation and other academic needs.
District‑level OSACS service centres and partner organisations will step up outreach, while Red Ribbon Clubs (RRCs) in colleges will spread awareness and promote a discrimination‑free learning environment.
Officials said the initiative reflects Odisha’s commitment to inclusive education and support for vulnerable groups.
