Odisha Assembly Sees Walkout Over Controversial Education Scheme for SC/ST Students

In a dramatic session, members of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly walked out, protesting against the BJP government's alleged intention to scrap the 'Anwesha Yojana', a scheme that funds English-medium education for SC and ST students. The scheme, launched in 2015, has been pivotal in providing educational opportunities to marginalized communities. Opposition leaders criticized the government for undermining the rights of tribal and Dalit students, while the ruling party defended its commitment to education. The debate highlights ongoing tensions regarding educational policies in Odisha.

By Ambika Singh Dec 2, 2025, 18:43 IST

Opposition's Protest in Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar: Members of the Opposition, including BJD and Congress, staged a walkout from the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday, claiming that the ruling BJP government intends to discontinue a scheme that funds English-medium education for SC and ST students.

Nityananda Gond, the ST & SC Development Minister, clarified that the scheme is set to run until 2024-25 and is currently under review for potential extension.

The 'Anwesha Yojana', initiated by the previous BJD administration in 2015, allows students from economically disadvantaged SC and ST backgrounds to attend English-medium schools in urban areas, with the government covering all associated costs, including tuition, uniforms, books, transportation, accommodation, and nutrition.

During the debate, Congress leader Rama Chandra Kadam expressed his dismay, stating it was unacceptable for tribal and Dalit students to be deprived of their rights by a government led by a tribal chief, CM Mohan Charan Majhi.

Kadam accused the BJP government of halting a scheme that had instilled hope among marginalized communities, labeling it as a 'Manuwadi' approach aimed at perpetuating their marginalization.

He highlighted that 40% of Odisha's population comprises tribals and Dalits, and expressed disappointment that the tribal CM had not ensured their benefits.

BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera pointed out that the dropout rate in Odisha had decreased to 18.1% in 2023-24 from 33% in 2021-22, attributing this improvement to initiatives like the Anwesha Yojana.

He questioned the Chief Minister's commitment to quality education when the government is denying access to English-medium schools.

In response to the Opposition's claims, Gond reiterated that the scheme, which has supported around 20,473 students in hostels across 17 districts, is under review as per the five-year policy.

He emphasized that the BJP government has implemented various initiatives to support the education of ST and SC students, including the Madho Singh Hata Kharcha scheme to reduce dropouts and the establishment of Ekalavya Schools and residential institutions for these communities.