Odisha CM to Launch NUA-O Magic Smart Card Portal on Mar 5, Cards to be Distributed on Aug 15: VK Pandian

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will launch a portal for registration for the Nua-O Magic Smart Cards targeting eligible students in the state on March 5. This initiative, announced by V K Pandian, the Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, aims to provide a range of facilities to students.

Following the launch on March 5, eligible students in Plus III and PG classes can register for the Magic Smart Card scheme. The distribution of the Smart Cards to eligible students will take place on August 15 after thorough scrutiny, verification, and completion of formalities, as confirmed by Pandian.

These Smart Cards are designed to offer various benefits to students based on their academic and extracurricular performance. Benefits include discounts on bus/train travel, free Wi-Fi, access to online courses, skill development, and coaching programs. Additionally, students can avail themselves of travel concessions, mobile recharge coupons, and coaching institute discounts, with the aim of empowering them and contributing to the state’s development.

Furthermore, students can achieve silver, gold, and platinum card status based on their performance, with each tier offering additional facilities. The Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha scheme, part of this initiative, focuses on continuous skilling, re-skilling, and up-skilling opportunities for youth in the state.

The Chief Minister has allocated approximately Rs 300 crore as a corpus fund for the ‘Nua-O’ program, benefiting over 4.5 lakh undergraduate students and nearly 35,000 post-graduate students. Notably, male students will receive an annual scholarship amount of Rs 9,000, while female students will receive Rs 10,000 annually. Male students from SC/ST and Nirman Shramik (construction worker) families, along with female students from these categories, will receive higher amounts.

It’s important to note that students with parents paying income tax or holding permanent government jobs are ineligible for the scholarship program.