Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh for students, who die or suffer permanent disability in accidents, as part of new guidelines aimed at providing financial support to schoolchildren and their families during medical emergencies.
The School and Mass Education Department issued the guidelines on September 3, covering students from Sishu Vatika to Class XII enrolled in government and government-aided schools, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs) and Odisha Model Adarsha Vidyalayas (OMAVs).
The updated scheme, titled “Payment of ex-gratia grant to students from Ex-Gratia Fund,” supersedes the previous guidelines from March 2015 and takes effect immediately to ensure prompt relief.
Highlighting the need for the revised measures, the notification notes: “Accidents often bring loss of life, unexpected medical expenses, temporary disability etc., which can severely disrupt a student’s education. Many students come from modest financial backgrounds and are not covered by comprehensive insurance schemes. Under such circumstances, the provision of ex-gratia grants and accident relief for students from appropriate head is crucial to ensure immediate financial support during emergencies.”
Under the new provisions, an eligible student’s family will receive Rs 2 lakh in case of accidental death or permanent disability caused by an accident. The assistance applies to incidents occurring within school premises, while traveling to and from school, or during participation in school-related activities. Financial aid will be disbursed directly to the student’s mother as the first priority. If the mother is not alive, it will go to the father; in the absence of both parents, the amount will be provided to a legal guardian identified by the District Collector.
The government has also made provisions for transportation assistance. Students who sustain serious injuries and require transfer outside their district for advanced medical treatment will be eligible for up to Rs 30,000. Those undergoing treatment for more than three days at a district headquarters hospital can receive up to Rs 10,000 for transportation. Eligible students will receive free treatment at government hospitals and may also avail support under schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) and the Red Cross, wherever applicable.
Consequently, students will not incur treatment charges at government hospitals.
Sanctioning the aid requires joint approval from the Headmaster or Principal, Block Education Officer (BEO), District Education Officer (DEO) and the District Collector, depending on the nature of the case. Once approved, the funds must be transferred to the guardian’s account within 24 hours to ensure families receive swift financial support during crises.
The department has emphasised timely release of assistance so that affected families across the state can access help without delay.
