Students who studied in government schools in Odisha will now get the benefit of reservation in admission into medical and engineering colleges of the state.
A decision to this effect was taken by the state cabinet on Monday.
According to the decision, a high level committee under the chairmanship of a retired judge of the Odisha High Court will be constituted to establish the modalities to implement the policy.
Our correspondent reports, the decision is consequent upon the realisation by the government that even meritorious students from government schools are not adequately represented in the medical and engineering colleges of the state.
The government felt that these students, particularly those of rural hinterland, fail to prove their talent in All India Entrance Tests like JEE and NEET, for lack of exposure to specialised coaching due to both geographical and economic constraints.
The decision is an effort towards addressing such unequal competition thereby instilling a sense of self- confidence in such deserving students to realise their dream of becoming a doctor or an engineer,