Bhubaneswar, Sept. 5 -- Odisha government has widened the eligibility for ex-gratia assistance to students of government-run schools affected by accidents. The revised provisions will provide financial support in cases of death, permanent disability and serious injuries, covering students beyond the earlier Classes I to X bracket.

The state School and Mass Education Department issued the updated guidelines on Thursday, replacing the rules notified in March 2015. The government said accidents can result in loss of life, disability and financial difficulties for families. Such incidents can also disrupt students' education, particularly those from economically weaker sections, as reported by The Times of India.

The revised scheme brings c...