Guardians, teachers hail Assam Govt’s scheme to provide financial incentive to female students

GUWAHATI:

The Assam government’s decision to provide a financial incentive to female students for attending schools and colleges regularly has been welcomed by guardians, teachers and students alike.

Assam education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had, during a scooter distribution programme in Sivasagar on Sunday, disclosed that the government would offer Rs 100 per day to female students for attending classes in their institutions.

The minister, however, did not disclose details of the scheme which is also apparently intended to enhance enrollment of students in government schools.

“We had planned the scheme last year itself but could not implement it because of the pandemic,” Sarma added.

“The decision has to be appreciated, as it would curb absenteeism and undoubtedly motivate the girls to attend schools and colleges. There are two types of sanctions, one is you can punish students or reward students, and I feel the latter brings about an atmosphere of positivity and progress,” Mohiuddin Siddique, a college teacher from Barpeta town, told this correspondent on Tuesday.

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He, however, said a holistic approach by the government, other than just a few schemes here and there before elections, would help students in the long run.

Election dole or not, but guardians and students are not complaining.

“I have two daughters (one is in Class IX and the other in Class IV) and given my economic condition, had enrolled both of them in government institutions. So while the measure would encourage our girls to attend school, it will also benefit them in taking their studies forward. The scheme will certainly lessen my financial burden and empower us economically, I feel,” said Jayanta Das, a farmer from Bhehuwa village near Boko in Kamrup district.

When asked how his daughters reacted to the scheme, Das said, “They are yet to know about the scheme but will certainly be elated. The money will come in handy in the future. As it is, free scooters to female HS students securing first division will encourage my daughters to stay focused and study hard.”

(Edited by Andre Kongri)

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