Bhubaneswar, June 10 (UDN): A media report highlighting the struggles of a bright tribal student from Keonjhar district has prompted swift intervention from the Odisha government, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing officials to provide all necessary support for the student’s higher education.
Manas Dehuri, a meritorious student from the remote Sudang village under Nayakote Panchayat in Banspal block, had recently come into the spotlight after reports revealed that despite securing an impressive 85 per cent marks in the Plus-II examination, he was unable to pursue higher studies due to severe financial constraints. The report also highlighted how the young student had been tending goats while nurturing dreams of continuing his education.
Taking serious note of the matter, Chief Minister Majhi instructed the Higher Education Department, the ST & SC Development Department and the Keonjhar district administration to ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to Manas’ academic aspirations. The Chief Minister has assured that the government will bear the expenses required for his admission, hostel accommodation and higher studies.
Officials have been directed to facilitate Manas’ admission to a college of his choice and provide him with a laptop to support his academic journey. The government is also considering his online admission application on a priority basis.
Following the Chief Minister’s intervention, a team of district officials visited the student’s village and conducted a detailed assessment of the family’s condition. The inquiry revealed that the family’s financial difficulties had worsened after the death of Manas’ father, making it difficult for him to continue his education despite his academic excellence.
The district administration has also been instructed to extend welfare benefits to the family under various government schemes, including housing assistance, Antyodaya support, widow pension benefits and financial aid under the National Family Benefit Scheme.
District Welfare Officer Bikash Kumar Mohanty informed that Manas would be eligible for financial assistance available to tribal students pursuing higher education. Besides hostel-related support, he is expected to receive benefits under the Gopabandhu Education Assistance Scheme to help meet educational expenses.
The Governor has also reportedly taken note of the student’s plight and directed officials to provide immediate assistance.
The development has been widely seen as a positive example of how media reporting can bring attention to the challenges faced by talented students from remote and economically disadvantaged communities. The government’s prompt response has renewed hopes for Manas and many other deserving students who aspire to pursue higher education despite financial hardships.
Officials said the Chief Minister has further directed departments to identify and support similarly placed meritorious students across the state, ensuring that no deserving student is deprived of educational opportunities due to poverty.