Bhubaneswar: In an effort to facilitate financial aid for higher education, students living with HIV and those from HIV-impacted families in Odisha will have enhanced access to resources. This initiative follows a recent meeting between Dr. Akshay Kumar Satpathy, the project director of the Odisha State AIDS Control Society (OSACS), and Kaliprasanna Mahapatra, the director of the Higher Education department.
Dr. Satpathy, who has recently taken on his role at OSACS, highlighted that the discussion aimed to pinpoint eligible students from families affected by HIV/AIDS and to streamline their access to the Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana (GSSY). This state government initiative offers financial support to students pursuing higher education.
The GSSY specifically includes families impacted by HIV/AIDS, allowing students with one or both parents affected by the virus to receive aid, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Additionally, students living with HIV are also qualified to benefit from this assistance.
Under the GSSY program, students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses can access an annual financial grant of Rs 20,000. The scheme is designed to assist those studying in both technical and non-technical fields, adhering to specified guidelines.
The financial support aims to help students cover various educational expenses, including academic materials, transportation, and other related costs.
Officials noted that the meeting also concentrated on identifying students who might be unaware of the financial aid available or the application procedures involved. OSACS service centres at the district level, along with partner organizations, will increase outreach efforts to inform young individuals from HIV-affected families about the scheme and assist them in navigating the application process.
Furthermore, Red Ribbon Clubs (RRCs) in colleges will be activated to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among students, fostering a discrimination-free and respectful learning environment for those affected by the virus.
