Govt takes note of TOI story, sanctions fund for MBBS student from Kandhamal

BHUBANESWAR: Following a TOI report highlighting the plight of an MBBS student, Ifu Mallick, who took up farm work to fund his studies, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday directed STSC development department to take up this issue on priority for necessary and immediate action.
The department sanctioned an amount of Rs 62,950 towards expenses of Ifu’s first year course under the state’s own scheme of ‘Financial Assistance for ST Students’. Objective of this scheme is to help meritorious scheduled tribe (ST) students to pursue their studies especially in professional colleges.
Secretary to chief minister (5T) VK Pandian spoke to Ifu and invited him to meet Naveen when he visits Bhubaneswar next.
Several organisations and individuals also extended helping hands to fund his studies. A Cuttack-based organisation said that it will pay Rs 25,000 per year towards Ifu’s educational expenses till completion of his MBBS course. An educational group has also assured the MBBS student of financial help to continue the medical education.
A software engineer from Bengaluru has already paid Rs 19,000 to pay the hostel admission fee this year. A non-government organisation working in tribal dominated Kandhamal district said it will bear half of the admission expenses of his first-year course.
Some doctors from AIIMS Bhubaneswar, SCB medical college and hospital Cuttack and other institutions are planning to provide him books of MBBS course. “I feel relaxed after the chief minister announced his support for my education. Many people and organisations have offered me help till completion of my MBBS course. I will remember this help and serve the people as a doctor in future,” said Ifu.
TOI on Wednesday published a story headlined ‘MBBS student takes up farm work to fund studies’ regarding the struggle of 21-year-old Ifu from Bagramila village under Baliguda police station in Kandhamal district to earn money to pay the hostel admission and mess fees.
After clearing NEET in his second attempt, he took admission at SLN medical college and hospital Koraput on November 28 by borrowing Rs 38,950 from his friend’s father. To raise more money for other expenses, he was working as a farm hand and in construction sites. He belongs to the Kondha tribe. His parents are not in a position to fund his medical education.