Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called upon SC, ST students of the Madhya Pradesh to work hard, be determined, courageous and move ahead. He also advised them not to feel weak and said they did not lag behind from any others and instead they should become source of inspiration of others. The Government stood by them at every step. It would not allow any hindrance in their studies.
Chouhan stated this while felicitating the SC, ST students who took admission in IIT and NIT by clearing both prelims and main exam of IIT, at his residence here on Sunday.
Students having cracked ClAT and taking admission in higher law institutes were also felicitated on the occasion.
Chouhan gave a clarion call to the students to move ahead, brighten name of State and country and make it big in life. He said immense change had been brought about in the academic environs in the State now as compared to period 10 years ago. Students of tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh had reached dizzy heights of success and brought laurels to the State.
Chouhan said his Government wished to bring smiles on the faces of people belonging to weaker sections and see them advance in every sector.
Referring to efforts for SC, STs’ socio-economic and academic upliftment, Chouhan said 21 per cent of total budget of the State would be allocated for development of tribals and 14 per cent for Scheduled Castes.
The Chief Minister said separate hostel facilities would be made available for schools and colleges. The Government would bear entire expenses of students of these classes in engineering, medical and other higher education institutions. He said free of cost food arrangements would also be made for students of Class IX and XII. The Government would give facility of renting room for students in cities for college level studies. The existing facilities for education will be enhanced further. Virtual classes will be started in all residential higher secondary school.
The Chief Minister said SC, ST students securing 75 per cent marks would also be given laptops and exhorted the students to keep brightening name of the state by dint of their talent, hard work and dedication. We would not allow image of the state to be tainted. Efforts by some quarters in this regard will be foiled.
Chouhan urged MlAs representing SC, ST constituencies to support talented students of their areas. Help them and see that they face no hurdle in moving ahead. Efforts are being made to tarnish image of Madhya Pradesh. Earlier, different sort of irregularities were made. We made efforts to streamline recruitment arrangements and got enquired whatever irregularities came to the fore.
SC, ST Welfare Minister Shri Gyan Singh said results of these competitive exams had proved that tribal students of remote areas also have talents. He said efforts under the leadership of the Chief Minister will boost morale of SC, ST students and they will be inspired to move ahead.
Anand Kumar of Super-30 said talent did not depend on support. Challenges needed to be accepted with self-confidence. He said education was available everywhere now and assured of continuous cooperation to students in preparations for IIT exams. He urged the successful students to have spirit to return to society what it has given to them. The felicitated students were presented `25,000 each to purchase laptop, certificates and copies of “Wings of Fire”, the autobiography of former President APJ Abdul Kalam.