More than 7,400 meritorious students from government schools across Madhya Pradesh have benefited from the state government's scooter distribution scheme, with state Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav saying the initiative will help students pursue higher education and build a brighter future.
Addressing a scooter distribution programme organised for meritorious students, CM Dr Yadav said the government was committed to providing students with every possible opportunity to progress alongside their education. Under the scheme, meritorious students of government schools are being provided scooters costing up to around Rs 1 lakh.
A still from the event attended by MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav
Scooters to make college commute easier
CM Dr Yadav said the scooters would make commuting to and from college more convenient for students pursuing higher education.
“When a child earns a scooter through his or her own ability and hard work, it becomes a matter of pride not only for the parents but also for the village and society,” he said.
The Chief Minister also urged students to follow traffic rules and exercise caution while riding their scooters.
Free books, uniforms and bicycles for students
CM Dr Yadav said the state government was also providing schoolchildren with free books, uniforms and bicycles.
Recalling the changes in the state's education system, he said there was a time when several schools did not even have adequate seating arrangements for students. Today, however, children are dreaming big about their careers and future, he said.
Students receving e-scooters at the event
Youth turning towards agri-tech and startups
The Chief Minister said students were increasingly looking to take traditional occupations and farming forward with the help of modern technology.
Young people are also exploring agricultural startups to increase their family incomes, he said, adding that the use of technology and innovation to make farming more profitable was gaining momentum.
School education budget rises sharply
CM Dr Yadav said the School Education Department's budget had increased substantially from around Rs 2,600 crore in 2002-03 to Rs 38,000 crore at present. He said the state government was continuously working to strengthen the education system and improve facilities available to students.
Dropout rate falls from 16% to zero
Students posing with MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav
According to CM Dr Yadav’s claims, the dropout rate in primary schools in Madhya Pradesh stood at 16 per cent in 2002-03 but has now fallen to zero. The state is also establishing well-equipped Sandipani schools, where students are being provided better facilities and educational arrangements.
Government schools gain presence in merit lists
CM Dr Yadav said students from Sandipani and government schools now account for nearly 50 per cent of those featuring in board examination merit lists. He described the free scooter distribution initiative as a recognition of meritorious students who have worked hard and achieved success despite difficult circumstances.
Students share their career ambitions
The Chief Minister handed over scooter keys to 11 meritorious students during the programme and interacted with them about their aspirations.
MP topper Khushi Rai said the scooter would make travelling to college easier and added that she was preparing to become a chartered accountant.
Akash Sahu, who comes from a farming family, expressed his desire to launch an agricultural startup. Ravi Kevat and Mariyam Khan said they wanted to become chartered accountants. Mini Jain said she had cleared NEET and aspired to become a neurosurgeon, while Rani Sanple wanted to become a lawyer and Khushi Yadav aimed to pursue MBBS.
Students interacting with CM Dr Yadav
Shiv Kumar Kaul said he wanted to become a software engineer and contribute towards building a developed India.
CM Dr Yadav told the students that the future of the country and the state rested in their hands. He said India's growing economic strength, coupled with the talent, education and innovative spirit of its youth, would help take the country to new heights.