The Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana is a transformative scholarship scheme introduced by the Government of Odisha to support the educational aspirations of children of registered construction workers. Administered by the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board under the Labour & Employees’ State Insurance Department, this initiative aims to bridge the socio-economic gap for families dependent on the construction sector, ensuring their children have access to quality education. By providing financial assistance for students pursuing general, technical, and professional courses, the scheme fosters social inclusion, reduces dropout rates, and promotes upward mobility. This article delves into the objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and broader impact of the Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana for the 2024-25 academic year.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary goal of the Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana is to alleviate the financial burden on construction workers, who often face irregular income and economic instability. By offering scholarships, the scheme ensures that their children can pursue education without financial constraints, from higher secondary to professional courses like engineering, medicine, and diploma programs. It aligns with Odisha’s commitment to inclusive development, empowering marginalized communities and reducing educational disparities. The scheme also aims to enhance employability by supporting technical and professional education, enabling beneficiaries to secure better career opportunities and break the cycle of poverty.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail of the benefits under the Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:
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Parental Status: The applicant must be a child of a construction worker registered with the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board for at least one year.
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Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
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Educational Pursuit: The scheme covers students enrolled in:
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Higher secondary education (Class XI and XII).
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Undergraduate and postgraduate courses (general or professional).
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Technical and professional courses, such as engineering, medical, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, law, management, diploma, or ITI programs in government or government-recognized private institutions.
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Academic Performance: Applicants must have passed their previous qualifying examination (e.g., Class X for higher secondary, Class XII for UG, or equivalent for technical courses) with a minimum percentage as specified by the institution or board.
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Exclusions: Students receiving financial assistance from other government scholarship schemes for the same course are ineligible to avoid duplication of benefits.
Benefits of the Scheme
The Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana provides comprehensive financial support tailored to the educational level and course type:
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Course Fee Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition fees, admission fees, and other compulsory institutional charges for students in government or recognized private institutions.
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Maintenance Allowance: A monthly stipend is provided to cover living expenses, such as hostel fees, books, and study materials. The amount varies based on whether the student is a day scholar (up to ₹550/month) or a hosteller (up to ₹1,200/month).
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Course-Specific Support: For technical and professional courses, additional financial assistance is provided to meet higher costs, ensuring students can complete their education without financial strain.
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Duration: The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance and continued registration of the parent with the Welfare Board.
The exact financial assistance depends on the course and institution, with detailed guidelines available on the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.
Application Process
The application process for the Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana is streamlined through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal (scholarship.odisha.gov.in). The steps are as follows:
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Registration: Visit scholarship.odisha.gov.in and register using the applicant’s Aadhaar number and a valid mobile number to receive login credentials.
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Application Form: Log in, select the Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana, and fill out the online application form with personal, academic, and parental details.
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Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of required documents, including:
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Aadhaar card of the applicant.
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Parent’s registration certificate with the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board.
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Income certificate (if required).
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Mark sheets of the previous qualifying examination.
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Admission receipt or institutional ID.
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Bank account details (linked to Aadhaar).
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Passport-size photograph.
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Domicile certificate of Odisha.
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Submission and Verification: Submit the application online and download a printout. The application is forwarded to the respective educational institution and the District Labour Officer for verification.
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Tracking Status: Applicants can track their application status on the portal using their login credentials.
The application window for 2024-25 typically opens in October and closes by January 31, 2025, though candidates should check the portal for exact dates.
Impact and Significance
The Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana has significantly impacted the lives of construction workers’ families in Odisha. By removing financial barriers, it has enabled thousands of students to pursue higher education, particularly in technical and professional fields, which are often inaccessible due to high costs. The scheme has reduced dropout rates, especially among girls, and promoted gender equity in education. It also contributes to the state’s human resource development by producing skilled professionals in critical sectors like healthcare, engineering, and technology.
Moreover, the initiative strengthens the social security framework for construction workers, a vulnerable group often excluded from mainstream welfare programs. By linking the scholarship to the parent’s registration with the Welfare Board, it encourages formal registration, ensuring workers access other benefits like health insurance and accident coverage.
Challenges and Recommendations
Despite its success, the scheme faces challenges, such as delays in fund disbursement and lack of awareness among eligible families, particularly in rural areas. To enhance its reach, the government could conduct awareness campaigns through local labor unions and community organizations. Simplifying the documentation process and providing multilingual support on the portal could further improve accessibility.
Conclusion
The Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana stands as a beacon of hope for construction workers’ families in Odisha, empowering their children to pursue education and build brighter futures. By combining financial support with a user-friendly application process, the scheme exemplifies Odisha’s commitment to inclusive education and social justice. For detailed guidelines and updates, eligible students should visit scholarship.odisha.gov.in and apply before the deadline to unlock their educational potential.
