Parliament Question: Special initiatives to promote higher education among minority girls in Odisha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4107 ANSWERED ON 30/03/2026 SPECIAL INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE HIGHER EDUCATION AMONG MINORITY GIRLS IN ODISHA 4107 SMT. SULATA DEO: Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether any special initiatives have been undertaken to promote higher education among minority girls in the State of Odisha; and (b) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU) (a) and (b): It is the mandate of the Ministry of Education to oversee all aspects related to promotion of higher education across the country including minority girls. Ministry of Minority Affairs implements various Scholarship Schemes, including Pre- Matric, Post-Matric and Merit-cum-Means Scholarship schemes for minority students, across the country to provide them better opportunities for higher education, increase their rate of attainment in higher education and enhance their employability. However, the schemes have not been approved for implementation beyond 2021-22. Under Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) for College and University Students component of Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojana, Scholarships are awarded by Ministry of Education for pursuing graduate / postgraduate degree in colleges and universities and for professional courses, such as Medical, Engineering etc. This Scholarship Scheme is available for all the students including minority students. *****