Bhubaneswar: The state govt has set a 45-day deadline for the institutions concerned to process the applications of the students with disabilities for Banishree scholarship and decided to impose a Rs 500 per application per day penalty on the district officials for further delays.Under a fresh notification issued by social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities (SSEPD) department on Thursday, the applications that remain unattended, unrecommended or unassessed at the institution level for more than 45 days will automatically move to the district social security officer (DSSO).The DSSO will get another 45 days to verify and sanction the application. If the application remains pending beyond this period, the DSSO concerned will face a penalty of Rs 500 per application per day.The notification formally operationalises the revamped Banishree scheme approved by the govt last Dec. The revised scheme covers students with all 21 categories of disabilities recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, provided they have a benchmark disability of 40% or more and a valid Unique Disability Identity (UDID) certificate.Officials of the department said the scheme provides monthly financial assistance of Rs 400-700, depending on the student’s level of education. Students in classes I to V will receive Rs 400 a month, classes VI to X Rs 500, classes XI and XII Rs 600, while those pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, technical, vocational or professional courses will get Rs 700.Students pursuing distance education and undergraduate or higher courses outside Odisha are also covered.The revamped scheme has also brought Banishree to the state’s Common Scholarship Application portal, allowing eligible students to apply online instead of navigating a separate process. Students can avail themselves of Banishree in addition to other scholarships or stipends for which they are eligible.To qualify, a student must be a bona fide resident of the state, be enrolled as a regular student in a recognised institution and have at least 40% disability certified through a valid UDID card. At least one parent should not be an income-tax payee.The scheme also provides additional assistance for students with specific needs. Visually impaired students can receive a reader’s allowance of Rs 200 a month at the primary level, Rs 300 for middle and high school and Rs 400 for higher studies. Students with locomotor disability of 75% or more who require special transport arrangements can get an additional Rs 200 a month.Officials said that the students will have to maintain at least 75% attendance to continue receiving the scholarship.
