Odisha takes steps to improve facilities at SC, ST hostels

Odisha government on Wednesday launched Mission Suvidya -- a scheme aimed at bringing a qualitative shift in accommodation facilities provided to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students across state, an official statement said. SC-ST development department, in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, signed agreements with three ncies - Quality Council of India (QCI), Akshara Foundation and TRIFED - to ensure basic facilities, such as functional toilets, drinking water supply and well-equipped kitchen, in all tribal and Dalit students' hostels. Officials said government runs as many as 6,500 SC-ST hostels, benefitting over 5.7 lakh students.

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QCI, according to agreement, would assess and evaluate quality of services provided at ST- and SC- reserved hostels, with an objective to attain ISO certificate, statement said. Akshara Foundation, on or hand, would cooperate and collaborate with state government to improve learning outcomes, it explained. statement also said that TRIFED would provide "market links" to various products manufactured by tribal artisans and entrepreneurs.

"I am happy to launch Mission Suvidya that strives to bring qualitative shift in accommodation facilities provided to students in ST-SC hostels," Patnaik said.

He also released two illustrative booklets on 'Bathudi' and 'Gandia' tribal communities on this occasion.

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