Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on 25th Dec 2016 launched "Biju Shishu Surakshya Yojana" for care and protection of HIV positive orphan children in the state.
Under the scheme, the children would get support from the state government for their studies till higher secondary. If the beneficiary is a girl, the state will also bear the cost of her marriage.
A scheme for nutrition requirements of children and mothers was also launched today. The new scheme will be operational from 2017 to 2020.
Patnaik launched the scheme at a function marking completion of five years of 'Mamata Yojana' which is for the pregnant and lactating women.
As many as 25 lakh women have so far been benefited from the 'Mamata Yojana' under which women get incentives for safe delivery of children, the statement said.
The state government would also provide INR 7,000 to 40,000 for technical education to the beneficiary.
The support will help meet the expenses like admission and tuition fee, study material and other related expenses, with INR 20,000 reward after passing higher secondary.
There will also be scholarship to 3 meritorious students every year in each district.
Financial support to girl child beneficiary will also be provided for her marriage namely INR 1,000 per year deposit in the Sukanya Samridhi Account of the girl child till she attains the age of 18 years.
There will be one time token assistance of Rs 50,000 for girls and Rs 40,000 for boys on completion of 18 and 21 years respectively to facilitate marriage ceremony.
The CM also launched a new scheme for nutrition requirements of children and mothers which will be operational from 2017 to 2020.
Odisha- Area: 155,820 km²
- Founded: April 1, 1936
- Capital: Bhubaneswar
- Population: 43.73 million (2014)
- Location: Eastern Coast
- Former Name: Orissa
