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[ad_1] BHUBANESWAR: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman made it clear on Friday that the Centre will not consider demands for “special category status” for any state, dealing a major blow to states like Odisha and Bihar who have been pushing for it for some years now. Asked whether the Centre will consider Odisha’s push for special category status, the FM, who was interacting with the media here on the Union Budget, said, “(The 14th) Finance commission has clearly said no special status can be given.” Taking examples of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which were given special category status in the initial years after bifurcation, she said, “But the finance commission’s clear opinion is no more special status category.” Odisha and Bihar have been pressing for special category status to avail 90% funds in centrally sponsored schemes, instead of the present arrangement of 60%, besides other benefits. Odisha has been seeking change in criteria to accommodate it keeping in mind

[ad_1] Sixty-two higher secondary schools have been opened for providing education to ST and SC students in the state, the chief minister said (File photo/PTI) In the last 20 years, the number of high schools under the ST and SC Development Department has increased from 215 to 422 The Odisha government will provide a one-time financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to scheduled tribe and scheduled caste students from poor families for pursuing general degree course in any state-run institution, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Tuesday. The chief minister made the announcement while presiding over a Tribal Advisory Council meeting here. “A one-time financial assistance up to Rs 50,000 to needy ST-SC students from underprivileged backgrounds pursuing general degree course in any government institution in the state will be provided from this year,” Patnaik said. Noting that education is a key vehicle for boosting the socio-economic uplift of people, Patnaik said Odisha is one of the l