The Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme is a groundbreaking initiative by the Government of Odisha to support farmers and promote inclusive agricultural growth. Launched in 2018, this innovative program aims to address the diverse needs of the farming community and enhance their livelihoods.
What is KALIA Yojana?
KALIA, which stands for Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation, is a comprehensive scheme designed to provide financial assistance and support to farmers in Odisha. The program targets various categories of agricultural households, including small and marginal farmers, landless agricultural laborers, and sharecroppers.
Key Components of KALIA Scheme
The KALIA scheme consists of several components aimed at addressing different aspects of farmers’ needs:
1. Financial Assistance for Cultivation
Under this component, small and marginal farmers receive financial support for cultivation purposes. The assistance is provided in the form of:
- ₹5,000 per season for Kharif and Rabi crops
- Total assistance of ₹10,000 per year for each eligible farmer
This financial aid helps farmers purchase crucial inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, enabling them to improve their agricultural productivity.
2. Livelihood Support for Landless Agricultural Households
Recognizing the challenges faced by landless agricultural laborers, the KALIA scheme provides:
- Financial assistance of ₹12,500 to landless agricultural households
- Support for activities such as goat rearing, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, and fishery
This component aims to diversify income sources and create alternative livelihood opportunities for landless agricultural families.
3. Life Insurance Cover
To provide a safety net for farmers, the KALIA scheme offers:
- Life insurance coverage of ₹2 lakh per farmer
- Coverage extended to both cultivators and landless agricultural laborers
This insurance component ensures financial security for farmers’ families in case of unforeseen circumstances.
4. KALIA Scholarship
The KALIA scheme also includes an educational component to support farmers’ children:
- Scholarships for higher education in professional and technical courses
- Available for children of KALIA beneficiaries studying in government institutions in Odisha
KALIA Scholarship: Empowering the Next Generation
The KALIA Scholarship is a crucial aspect of the scheme, aimed at providing better access to higher education for children of small and marginal farmers, sharecroppers, and landless agricultural households. Let’s delve deeper into this component:
Objective of KALIA Scholarship
The primary goal of the KALIA Scholarship is to extend financial assistance to children of KALIA beneficiaries pursuing professional or technical courses in government institutions within Odisha. This initiative aims to empower farming families by supporting their children’s education and career aspirations.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the KALIA Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The student’s parent must be an eligible beneficiary under the KALIA scheme
- The student must have secured admission to a government institution in Odisha on merit
- The course of study should be a professional or technical program
- Students can avail of the scholarship for only one professional course
Courses Covered Under KALIA Scholarship
The scholarship covers a wide range of professional and technical courses, including:
- Medical courses: MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BAMS
- Engineering courses: B.Tech/B.E
- Agricultural courses: B.Sc. (Agriculture), B.Sc. (Horticulture), B.Sc. (Forestry)
- Veterinary courses: BVSc & AH
- Nursing courses: B.Sc. (Nursing), PBBSc
- Pharmacy courses: B.Pharma
- Diploma courses: D.Pharma, DMLT, DMRT, GNM, ANM
- ITI courses: Various trades in government ITIs
Benefits Provided
The KALIA Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to eligible students:
- Tuition fees: Full coverage of tuition fees
- Annual fees: Payment of all annual fees
- One-time fees: Coverage of one-time fees charged by the institution
- Hostel charges: Reimbursement of hostel fees
- Mess charges:
- ₹1,200 per month for degree students
- ₹1,000 per month for diploma/polytechnic/ITI students
- Provided for ten months in an academic year
Application Process
To apply for the KALIA Scholarship, eligible students need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official State Scholarship Portal of Odisha (https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in/)
- Register as a new user or log in with existing credentials
- Fill in all required details, including personal, academic, and bank information
- Upload necessary documents
- Submit the application online
Note: Physical applications are not accepted. Only verified online applications are considered for the scholarship award.
Required Documents
Applicants need to keep the following documents ready for the application process:
- Aadhaar Card copy
- Recent photograph
- Age proof
- Mark sheets and degrees
- Resident certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate (if applicable)
- Matriculation certificate
- Previous examination certificate
- Bank passbook copy (first page showing IFSC code and account number)
Post-Application Verification Process
After submission, the application goes through a verification process:
- The head of the institution verifies the student’s details and authenticity
- The verified application is forwarded to the concerned Chief District Agriculture Officer
- The scholarship is awarded based on merit and eligibility criteria
Impact of KALIA Scheme
Since its inception, the KALIA scheme has made significant strides in supporting Odisha’s farming community:
- Widespread coverage: The scheme has reached millions of farmers across the state
- Income boost: Direct financial assistance has helped increase farmers’ disposable income
- Crop diversification: Support for various agricultural activities has encouraged crop diversification
- Reduced distress: The scheme has helped alleviate financial distress among farming households
- Educational empowerment: The KALIA Scholarship has opened up new educational opportunities for farmers’ children
Recent Updates and New List
As of November 2024, the Government of Odisha continues to implement and refine the KALIA scheme. While specific details about a new beneficiary list are not available, it’s important to note that the scheme operates on an ongoing basis, with regular updates and additions to the beneficiary roster.
Key Points to Remember:
- Regular updates: The list of KALIA beneficiaries is updated periodically to include new eligible farmers and remove ineligible ones
- Verification process: The government conducts regular verification drives to ensure the authenticity of beneficiaries
- Digital transparency: Lists of beneficiaries are often made available on official government websites for public scrutiny
- Grievance redressal: There are mechanisms in place for addressing concerns related to beneficiary selection or exclusion
How to Check Beneficiary Status:
Farmers can check their KALIA beneficiary status through the following methods:
- Online portal: Visit the official KALIA website or the Odisha government’s agriculture department portal
- Mobile app: Use the KALIA mobile application, if available
- Common Service Centers: Visit nearby Common Service Centers (CSCs) for assistance
- Agriculture offices: Inquire at local agriculture offices or block offices
Conclusion
The KALIA scheme, with its multifaceted approach to farmer welfare, continues to be a cornerstone of agricultural development in Odisha. By providing financial assistance, livelihood support, and educational opportunities, the scheme aims to create a more resilient and prosperous farming community.
As the scheme evolves, it’s crucial for farmers and their families to stay informed about updates, new beneficiary lists, and changes in implementation. The KALIA Scholarship, in particular, represents a significant investment in the future of farming families, offering a pathway to higher education and professional careers for the next generation.
