Banishree Scholarship: To promote education among children with disabilities, the Odisha government started the Banishree Scholarship. This project provides financial assistance to students so that they can pay for their studies. This scholarship reduces the financial burden on students with special needs and encourages them to fulfill their dreams. It was launched on April 1, 2008. Students pursuing technical, professional, or vocational courses can apply if they reside in Odisha.
The applicant’s annual family income should not exceed 60,000 rupees. The scholarship amount ranges from 100 to 250 rupees, including additional allowances. The money is sent directly to the student’s bank account.
Details of the Banishree Scholarship
| Name | Banishree Scholarship |
| Launched by | BANISHREE – A Scheme of Scholarship for Students with Special Needs by Odisha |
| Objective | Providing Scholarship Opportunities |
| Beneficiaries | Students are struggling hard to pay their fees |
| Official site | ssepd.odisha.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria for Banishree Scholarship
To apply for the scholarship, the applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The applicant must be a resident of Odisha
- The applicant’s parents/family’s annual income must not exceed 60,000 rupees
- They must be a regular student of an educational institution
- The applicant must not be receiving any financial assistance/scholarship/grant from the state or central government under any other scheme.
Banishree Scholarship Amount Details
| Education Level | Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| Primary Classes (inside Odisha) | Rs 100 |
| Middle and High School (inside Odisha) | Rs 140 |
| Undergraduate College (inside Odisha) | Rs 160 |
| Postgraduate College (inside Odisha) | Rs 190 |
| Technical and Vocational Training (inside Odisha) | Rs 190 |
| Courses not available in Odisha (normal/technical/professional) | Rs 250 |
Required Documents for Banishree Scholarship
Applicants for this scholarship must submit the following documents:-
- The most recent examination mark sheet, duly attested by the head of the institution (Principal/Headmaster)
- Aadhaar card
- Disability certificate issued by the Medical Board
- An income certificate issued by a revenue officer, not below the rank of Tehsildar or any equivalent officer
- Proof of residence (e.g., certificate from the residential authority)
- Domicile certificate
- Bank details (e.g., account number, account holder’s name, IFSC code, MICR code)
- BPL ration card (if available).
Application Process for Banishree Scholarship
Applicants can apply for the scholarship programme online or offline. Both the online and offline application processes are described below. Please take a look at them.
Apply Offline
- To apply offline for the scholarship programme, you must first go to the sub-collector/block development officer/head of the school/college/educational institution.
- Then, collect the scholarship form from the relevant department.
- Fill in all details on the application form, such as name, personal information, address, etc.
- Attach the required documents to the application form.
- Finally, carefully verify all details before submission.
- Please submit the application form along with all the necessary documents to the concerned department from which you obtained the form.
- In this way, you can successfully apply for the scholarship program.
Apply Online
- First, open the official website of the scholarship program ssepd.odisha.gov.in
- The website’s homepage will open on the screen.
- Now you will see the option for the Banisree Scholarship on the homepage.
- Click on that option. A new page will open on the screen.
- Now, on the new page, click on the New Application option (Link)
- An application form will open on the screen.
- Enter all the details such as name, gender, age, date of birth, Aadhaar number, etc.
- Upload all the necessary documents for uploading.
- Now, click on the Submit Details option.
- This way, you can successfully apply online for the scholarship program.
Advantages of Banishree Scholarship
Some of the most important advantages of the Banishree Scholarship are:
- The Banishree Scholarship helps promote the education of children with disabilities in Odisha.
- Financial assistance is provided to help students with special needs in their studies.
- This program provides monthly financial assistance ranging from 100 to 250 rupees, along with additional allowances.
- Students can use this support to cover regular or vocational courses.
- Only families residing in Odisha with an annual income under 60,000 rupees are eligible to apply.
- The scholarship money is deposited directly into the student’s bank account.
How is the Banishree scholarship payment made?
- After receiving funds from the state government, the BDO, or sub-collector, directly deposits the scholarship money into the student’s 7 bank accounts.
- The heads of the institutions check attendance before the payment is made.
- The BDO, or subcollector, gives a utilisation certificate to the district social welfare officer, who sends it to the state.
- The scholarship is provided from the month of admission until the end of the academic year (including the month of examination).
- If any student is absent for three months due to medical reasons, a full scholarship is given.
