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Odisha's government provides free laptops, equipped with special software, to visually impaired students studying professional, undergraduate, or Read More... postgraduate courses. Read less

Details

Students with visual impairments in Odisha pursuing higher education can now get a significant boost for their studies. The state government, through its Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, is offering free laptops under a special scheme.

What Is This Scheme?

This initiative is part of the 'Special Appliances' scheme, specifically designed to support visually impaired students. The goal is to equip them with the necessary tools to excel in their academic journey, especially in professional, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses. Each beneficiary will receive a laptop pre-installed with JAWS software, which is crucial for navigating digital content for the visually impaired.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is aimed at students who are residents of Odisha and have a significant visual impairment. They must be pursuing their first year or higher in various courses, including professional programs after +2, undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate studies like M.Phill, Phd, Law, Management, Medicine, and other technical fields. This ensures that students who are actively engaged in higher learning receive this vital support.

Why This Scheme Is Important

In today's digital age, access to technology is key for education. For visually impaired students, specific tools like screen-reading software are essential. By providing free laptops with JAWS software, the Odisha government is bridging the digital divide, enabling these students to access information, participate actively in their courses, and compete equally with their peers. This initiative empowers them to achieve their full academic potential and build a successful future.

Objective

Odisha's government provides free laptops, equipped with special software, to visually impaired students studying professional, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses.

Benefits

Under this scheme, financial assistance of ₹10,000/- is provided to women workers and wives of male workers working in industrial and commercial establishments of Haryana state for the delivery of up to two children (three girls or two boys).

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must be permanent residents of Odisha.
Applicants need to have a certified disability of 40% or more.
Students must be enrolled in the 1st year or above of professional courses after +2, undergraduate, or postgraduate programs. This includes courses like M.Phill, Phd, Law, Management, Medicine, and other technical disciplines.

How To Apply

The scheme involves applications submitted through the student's educational institution. The Principal or Head of the Institution must provide a recommendation certificate for the applicant. While the input doesn't specify a direct online application portal, it implies an offline submission process through institutions. The deadline for applications is typically July 31st each year.

Documents Required

Disability Certificate
Aadhar card (scanned copy)
Recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant (scanned copy)
Recommendation Certificate issued by the Principal or Head of the Institution where the student is enrolled.

FAQ’s

Can I apply if my disability is less than 40%?

No, you must have a disability certificate that clearly shows 40% or more disability to be eligible for this scheme.

What kind of courses are covered under this free laptop scheme?

This scheme is exclusively for students pursuing professional courses after class 12, undergraduate, or postgraduate studies. Non-professional courses are not covered.

Can a student get a laptop more than once?

No, students are eligible to apply and receive a free laptop only once under this scheme, provided they have not received one previously.

Is there a specific age limit to apply for this scheme?

The guidelines for this scheme do not mention any specific age limit for applicants.

What if I have already completed my first year of study?

The scheme is open to students who are in their first year of study or any year above that, pursuing eligible courses.

How do I submit my application for the free laptop?

Applications need to be submitted through your institution. You will need a recommendation certificate from your Principal or Head of the Institution.

Will I be able to choose the laptop's brand or specifications?

No, students cannot choose specific brands or technical specifications for the laptops provided under this scheme.

What happens if my laptop is lost or stolen?

The current scheme guidelines do not include any provisions or support for situations where a student's laptop is lost or stolen.

Is there any support for laptop repairs or maintenance after receiving it?

The scheme guidelines do not mention any provision for the maintenance or repair of the laptops once they are distributed.

Can I transfer the free laptop to another person if I don't need it?

There are no provisions stated in the scheme guidelines that allow for the transfer of the provided laptop to another individual.

Are there any usage restrictions on the laptop?

The guidelines do not specify any particular restrictions on how the students should use the laptop provided to them.

Will I get any extra software or accessories with the laptop?

Only the JAWS software is mentioned to be pre-installed on the laptops. No other additional software or accessories are specified.

Do students studying through distance education qualify for this scheme?

The scheme is intended for students pursuing regular courses. There is no mention of eligibility for students enrolled in distance education programs.

What is the last date to apply for this scheme?

Applications for the scheme should generally be submitted by July 31st of each year.

Does the scheme cover visually impaired students from outside Odisha?

No, this scheme is exclusively for students who are residents of Odisha state.

Are there any conditions for returning the laptop after completing my studies?

The guidelines do not mention any conditions requiring students to return the laptop after they have completed their course of study.