Baripada: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the Odisha Girls’ Incentive Programme (OGIP) here on Monday which according to officials will benefit around 2.5 lakh SC and ST girl students in the State.
The scheme has been designed to encourage more and more SC and ST girl students to pursue Class-IX and X by reducing their financial and social constraints.
As per the provision of the program, which also aims at boosting the enrolment of girls of the disadvantaged community, each beneficiary will avail of Rs 950 per annum in addition to the existing pre-Matric scholarship of Rs 2,250 per annum.
According to official sources, the DFID-funded OGIP will be implemented by the SC and ST Development departments.
The program was taken up on a pilot basis in the Rayagada district this year for 3,000 girl students, added sources.