The Odisha government has introduced the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chatra Protshan Yojana (MMCPY) to provide full financial support to SC/ST students with an annual family income of up to Rs 1 lakh who are pursuing medical (MBBS) and engineering (B Tech and M Tech) courses in state-run institutions. The scheme covers all course-related expenses, including admission fees, tuition fees, hostel charges, and study materials. District collectors will oversee the reimbursement process, and the state government has allocated a budget of Rs 3 crore for the 2023-24 fiscal year, with the possibility of additional funding if required. This initiative aims to promote equitable access to quality education and social inclusivity.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chatra Protshan Yojana (MMCPY): This is the name of the scheme launched by the Odisha government to financially support SC/ST students pursuing medical and engineering courses.
- Financial Year: A financial year is a 12-month period used for financial reporting and budgeting. In India, it typically runs from April 1st to March 31st.
- Supplementary Budget: A supplementary budget is an additional budget allocated during the fiscal year to cover unforeseen expenses or changes in government priorities.
- Reservation of Seats: Reservation refers to the practice of allocating a specific percentage of seats in educational institutions and government jobs to individuals from historically disadvantaged or underrepresented communities, such as government school students in this context.