Focussed efforts on girls education in MP

Bhopal, Sep 19 (UNI) Free distribution of about three lakh bicycles, 55 lakh uniforms, 80 lakh textbooks and about 15,000 scholarship for higher education are part of focussed efforts being made to promote girls education in Madhya Pradesh.

Meritorious village girls, who passed higher secondary examination in first division, are given monthly scholarship of Rs 500 to pursue higher education under the unique 'Gaon Ki Beti' scheme launched two years ago. Earlier, only one girl from a village were given this facility, but it was extended to cover all meritorious students from this year.

According to official sources, a total of 2.96 lakh bicycles will be distributed free of cost by October end to poor girls studying in schools in other villages. Earlier the scheme covered girls studying in class nine onward, but from this year it was enlarged to cover those studying from class six onward.

Free text book scheme has benefitted about 80.18 lakh girls studying in class one to class eight, who are also entitled for free uniform. About 55 lakh girls were benefitted by free uniform, the sources claimed.

Girls who drop out mid-way from middle schools are motivated to continue their education through open school and their fee is reimbursed under girls education programme. About 1084 residential bridge courses are being conducted for overaged girls in rural areas to prepare them to get admission in classes in accordance with their age. Besides, 3768 non-residential bridge courses will be started from October 2.

Apart from this, residential arrangement is being made with 185 middle schools for girls of families living in scattered habitations lacking educational facility.

UNI