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Time of India

Class 1 admissions stall under Anwesha scheme in Koraput

Koraput: Despite the start of the new academic session, the Koraput administration has not enrolled any new students in Class 1 under the state-run Anwesha scheme, leaving many poor children deprived of the opportunity for quality English-medium education. The Anwesha scheme, launched by the state govt in 2015, aims to provide free education to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students in reputed English-medium private schools, with hostel and other necessary facilities fully sponsored by the state. Confirming the development, district welfare officer (Koraput) Sunil Kumar Tandi said, "We have not received any instructions from the govt regarding fresh admissions into Class 1 under Anwesha for the current academic year. Once the directions come, we will act accordingly." Currently, Koraput district has seven hostels under the Anwesha programme, two each in Jeypore, Semiliguda, and Koraput, and one in Laxmipur, with 1,365 children from previous years enrolled in Classes II to X. However, no fresh admissions have been carried out this year. The lack of admissions has sparked concern among parents and rights activists, who fear the delay may deprive an entire batch of eligible children of the scheme's benefits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Japanese hair growth method Hair's Rich Learn More Undo "Every year, we see poor tribal children getting a chance to study in English-medium schools through Anwesha. This year, no such opportunity has been given. The administration must take proactive steps," said Surendra Patnaik, a local education activist. Meanwhile, in the absence of fresh enrolment, activists have raised questions about the continuity and commitment to a scheme that has played a key role in uplifting education standards among marginalised communities in tribal-dominated districts like Koraput. "The govt should initiate the process soon to ensure that no eligible child is left behind," said Harish Muduli, a tribal activist from Koraput.