Rs one lakh award to 100 per cent literate panchayats

Chandigarh, Feb 9 (UNI) The panchayats of those villages of Sirsa district in Haryana which have attained 100 per cent literacy, will be given cash reward of Rs one lakh each and those ''Akshar Sainik'' who have made a significant contribution in this drive would also get an honorarium of Rs 500 per month for three months so as to inspire others for such campaigns.

An official spokesman said the literacy campaign was being implemented in the district under Uttar Saksharta Mission. The Sarpanchs, Panchs, Numberdars, members of Self Help Groups and unskilled persons working under National Employment Gurantee Scheme would also be covered under this campaign so as to make them literate.

He said that illiterate men and women in slums around Anganwari Kendras in urban areas would also be covered under the campaign.

Those ''Bal Sevikas'' who would make outstanding performance in this literacy drive would also be honoured.

He said with the implementation of the literacy campaign in the district, spots had been identified to set up 200 ''Jan Chetna Kendras'' and these were being inaugurated by female officers.

He said 654 classes have been commenced in the district and these were being attended by 6540 men and women.

With a view to convey the message of literacy to all areas of the district, a group of artists has performed skits in 104 villages to highlight the significance of literacy.

All those engaged in this literacy mission have been urged to devote more time for this campaign during the months of February and March as the people in rural areas have enough spare time during these months.

UNI JN SY HS1923