Distress Relief
The Student Distress Fund at NIT Rourkela is a compassionate initiative established to support students who face sudden and severe financial hardships, ensuring that unforeseen circumstances do not interrupt their education. This fund was created with an initial contribution of ₹10 lakh from the 1969 Batch alumni of NIT Rourkela, forming a core corpus that is carefully maintained and invested to generate income solely for the benefit of students in need. It is open to further contributions from alumni and well-wishers, which are merged with the principal amount to strengthen the corpus and expand its reach over time.
The fund primarily assists students whose families encounter unexpected crises, such as the death or long-term hospitalisation of a parent or guardian, major illnesses like cancer or heart ailments, or financial setbacks caused by natural disasters. Currently, the interest from the corpus fund is used to cover one semester’s fees for a deserving student whose family income is below ₹2 lakh per annum. While the assistance is presently limited to one student per year, the scope of support is expected to grow as the corpus increases.
Applications are carefully reviewed by a Selection Committee under the guidance of the Director of NIT Rourkela, ensuring that aid reaches those who genuinely require it. The committee includes alumni representatives, institute officials, wardens, and other nominated members, and all accounts are regularly audited to maintain transparency. Beyond providing financial assistance, the Distress Relief Fund reflects the enduring spirit of empathy, solidarity, and generosity that defines the NIT Rourkela community. It stands as a lasting symbol of the bond between alumni and the institute, promoting an inclusive and supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals without being held back by unexpected challenges.
The NITR Distress Fund helped me a lot. After the loss of the sole earning member of my family, I was facing a major financial burden. The support from NITR alumni gave me the strength to power through the tough times. The fund helped me pay my fees and continue my studies. Additionally, the constant support from faculty members, friends, and alumni played a crucial role in helping me overcome the setback.
During my kidney transplant, the support from the college distress fund, generously provided by the alumni, lifted a huge financial burden by covering my college fees. It allowed me to focus on my recovery and studies without the added stress of financial strain.
I was in my third year, my mom was ill and got hospitalized for cancer, then all the income of my parents was spent on her medication, at that time the professor of my department, H. B. Sahu sir advised me to apply for the same to get substantial help from the alumni fund and with that I paid my fees for one semester, here. So, it's definitely beneficial for me at that time.