Bright future in jeopardy: Financial struggles threaten education of talented Odisha girl

A young talented girl named Rashmita Gamang finds her educational ambitions curtailed by severe financial difficulties in the tiny village of Kendupada under Mohana block in Odisha's Gajapati district.

Following the untimely demise of her father two years ago, financial situation of Rashmita's family has worsened. Despite scoring respectable score of 419 in her matriculation examination, equating to a B-2 grade, Rashmita's hopes of pursuing further studies hang in balance.

Family's Financial Burden

As per reports, the family's situation has become increasingly precarious as both their house and other belongings have been mortgaged to moneylenders due to crushing debt. 

Rashmita's elder brother, who completed his matriculation, was forced to abandon his education to work as a labourer, in order to earn the living for her family. This financial strain has also prevented Rashmita's younger siblings from attending school.

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"Our father passed away two years earlier. It has become difficult for us even to make ends meet. I am working as a labourer to make our living. I have got good marks in the Matriculation examination and interested to pursue further study. However, I will not be able to study further due to financial constraint," said Rashmita.

"Rashmita is a good student and she is interested to study further. However, we are poor people. From where will we get money so that she will continue her study. If the government comes up with helping hand, she will be able to read further," said Rashmita's mother Sebati Gamang.

Possible Government Intervention

Local authorities are reportedly aware of Rashmita's predicament. The District's Child Protection Officer has pledged to attempt enlisting Rashmita in the Yashoda scheme, a government initiative aimed at supporting students' educational pursuit under challenging circumstances. However, time is of the essence, and the family's financial constraints necessitate swift action to ensure Rashmita's educational future.

"Rashmita has secured more than 75 per cent mark in the Matriculation examination. However, she belongs to a very poor family. We will include her into Yashoda scheme so that she could pursue further study," said Arun Kumar Tripathi, Child Protection Officer of Gajapati district.