Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Thursday launched the 13th Statewide Shala Praveshotsav (school enrolment drive) for rural areas with a view to ensure cent-per cent enrolment of students from Arnej, a remote village in the Somnath-Gir district.
On the first day, 86 boys and girls were enroled in the village school from standard 1 to 9, while 60 other tiny-tots were admitted in the anganwadi. She also presented educational kits to the children. A large number of villagers were present on the occasion to encourage the children.
Addressing on the occasion, she said the State Government has taken up the task of educating children, their free health checkup, and medical checkup of mothers also. They should try to help children develop their latent talents in poetry, drawing and performing arts. She said that education helps children become confident youth to be away from social evils.
Patel further said she would carry forward Shala Praveshotsav and Beti Bachao campaigns started by then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi 13 years ago. She expressed her firm resolve to eradicate illiteracy from the State.
She presented Rs10, 000 cheque to each member of the winning volleyball team, and also the meritorious students. Patel also dedicated on the occasion the newly constructed girls’ school, costing Rs70 lakh, and the Kasturba Gandhi Kanya Shala, costing Rs1 crore, to the village.