Banishree is a monthly scholarship for students with disabilities who study in Odisha. Its start date was 1 April 2008. The 2008 resolution came from the Women and Child Development Department. Today the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department runs it, and the SSEPD guidelines page lists a Guideline on Banishree Scholarship.
The money is paid into the student’s bank account. Visually challenged students may receive a reader’s allowance of Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 a month, depending on level. A student with a 75 per cent or higher orthopaedic disability can claim Rs. 100 a month for transport, provided integrated education does not already cover it.
What you get
The resolution sets rates from Rs. 100 to Rs. 250 a month, by level. Other websites quote higher figures of Rs. 400 to Rs. 700 a month. This guide could not confirm those from an official text. The SSEPD scheme page lists a merged guideline PDF, so check the current rate there before you plan your budget.
| Study level | Rate per month (2008 resolution) |
|---|---|
| Primary (Class I to V) | Rs. 100 |
| Middle and high school (Class VI to XI), where not covered by a Government of India scholarship | Rs. 140 |
| College (+2 and +3), where not covered by a Government of India scholarship | Rs. 160 |
| Postgraduate college, where not covered by a Government of India scholarship | Rs. 190 |
| Technical and vocational training, where not covered by a Government of India scholarship | Rs. 190 |
| Study outside Odisha, for a course not available in the state | Rs. 250 |
Coverage begins in the admission month and stops only when the session ends, exam month included. Health-related absence of up to three months does not stop full payment.
Who can apply
- Odisha residence is required. The 2008 text calls the state Orissa and says the applicant must be a bona fide resident.
- Regular enrolment in an educational institution is required.
- The family income ceiling in the 2008 text is Rs. 60,000 a year.
- A stipend or scholarship from a state or central government under another scheme rules you out.
- The scheme reaches primary classes I to V, middle and high school classes VI to X not covered by a Government of India scholarship, colleges and universities not covered by one, distance study, and recognised technical, vocational or professional training.
- Study outside Odisha is funded only where the course is unavailable in the state and no Government of India scholarship covers it.
A special school that receives state or central grant-in-aid falls outside the scheme. The 2008 text sets no minimum age, marks or caste rule.
How to apply
- Get the form from the head of your school or college, or from the Sub-Collector or Block Development Officer (BDO).
- After admission, fill it in and hand it to your institution’s head.
- The head checks the details against school records and forwards the form with a recommendation.
- A BDO sanctions rural schools up to high school level. A Sub-Collector sanctions municipal school cases, colleges and technical or professional institutions.
- Open a bank account: a zero-balance account in your own name if you are 18 or older, or a joint account with a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
The SSEPD application form asks for a passport-size photo of no more than 200KB, and a signature or left thumb impression of no more than 40KB. The form asks whether the request is fresh or a renewal. Official SSEPD page for this scheme: SSEPD Banishree scholarship page.
Documents you need
- A disability certificate issued by a Medical Board.
- An income certificate from a Revenue Officer of Tahasildar rank or above.
- The marksheet of the last examination, attested by a gazetted officer or the head of the institution.
- BPL families need not submit an income certificate.
- Your bank account details, as described in the steps above.
How students are selected
The head of your institution checks enrolment and attendance first. The BDO or Sub-Collector then sanctions the award. Payment goes out in two instalments, after the head of the institution confirms regular attendance. Disputes over selection or rejection go to the Collector, whose decision is final.
Renewal
Passing a year is not required to keep the award, so long as enrolment and regular attendance continue. Moving to another institution does not cancel the award. The official text does not describe a separate renewal form.
Important dates
The official sources checked for this page do not give a last date for the 2026-27 cycle. Check the SSEPD scheme page as soon as you can. The government may amend these guidelines at any time.
Official sources
Checked against these official sources on 5 November 2026.
