Bhubaneswar: Odisha has extended the scope of ex gratia for govt school students who die, suffer permanent disability or sustain serious injuries in accidents.Earlier, the assistance was limited to students from classes I to X. It will now cover children in Sishu Vatika, and classes XI and XII in govt schools, besides all students in Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas and Odisha Mining Adarsha Vidyalayas.The school and mass education department issued fresh guidelines on Thursday for the payment of ex-gratia grants to ensure immediate financial assistance to affected families, replacing the provisions issued in March 2015.The govt said accidents often result in loss of life, disability and financial hardship, disrupting the education of students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.Under the revised scheme, families of the students who die or suffer permanent disability in road accidents while travelling to or from school, accidents on school premises, food poisoning linked to the mid-day meal programme, or mishaps during school-related activities will receive an ex-gratia grant of Rs 2 lakh.Students who are seriously injured and need to be referred to hospitals or medical colleges outside their districts will be eligible for assistance of up to Rs 30,000 towards incidental travel expenses. They will also receive Rs 10,000 towards transportation charges. Treatment in govt hospitals will continue to be provided free of cost.The notification said medical expenses should be covered through available schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Red Cross support or other applicable govt programmes.The approved amount must reach the parent or guardian within 24 hours of approval by the competent authority.
