TED NewsDesk, New Delhi: Kerala government plans to extend its maximum support to the education of students belonging to the SC and ST community.
On September 19, Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, introduced the initial stage of a model plan with an agenda to modify and ease the education of candidates falling under categories of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe. Due to the lack of resources amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of students from these categories are facing issues related to education and schooling. Inadequate amenities at home make it difficult for them to cope up with their studies.
Emphasizing on these problems, the government extends financial support of Rs. 2 lakhs to the people of the SC group to arrange a space adjoining their house, to study. Besides, the government will also provide study materials and gadgets, once the room is built.
“Today marks the inauguration of the completion of 12,250 study rooms across the state.
An additional 3,750 study rooms will be completed this year. Also, 8,500 study rooms will be created by 2021. This would be a model project for the entire country,” said the Chief Minister.
The project also aims at establishing around 500 groups (public) study rooms for ST students. 250 rooms have been built so far by utilizing public spaces like community halls. Each classroom can accommodate 30 candidates.
Students from fifth to eighth grade, belonging to the SC category, do not get much educational help. However, the CM highlighted that every child receives the help of Rs. 2000 annually and currently, almost 1,20,000 SC children are availing this benefit. Apart from this, the government has also directed to release up to Rs. 25 lakhs for SC candidates admitted to PG programs in the top universities across the world.
The CM said, “The lump-sum grant and stipend for SC/ST students has been increased by 50 percent. A scheme has been started for Medical-Engineering Entrance Examination coaching for 1,000 SC students who have completed Plus Two,”
As per his statements, under the Scheduled Caste Development Department, the state government has worked upon various ways to revolutionize 44 ITIs. New sections were built for 15 ITIs. Moreover, meals, in the form of breakfast and lunch, are also provided to children studying here.
“Also, steps have been taken to provide free training to 300 people in the Civil Service Academy under the state government,” Vijayan added.
In times like these, financial support from the government will be a boon for the students belonging to economically weaker sections of the society. Economic potential shouldn’t be a barrier in the process of learning to ensure the country’s brighter future.