Introduction
In a significant move to bolster educational opportunities, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced the 'Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratna' program. This initiative aims to provide free coaching for various competitive examinations to 6,800 meritorious students across the state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the program, highlighting the government's commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing employment prospects within the region.
Program Overview: 'Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratna'
The 'Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratna' program is designed to identify and support talented students from all 68 Assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh. Key features of the program include:
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Selection Process: Students from Class VI and above are eligible to participate in selection tests conducted in schools and colleges across each constituency. The top 100 students from each constituency will receive free coaching, the next 200 will be granted a 75% concession, and the following 500 will obtain a 50% concession.
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Implementation Partner: CRACK Academy will spearhead the coaching services, investing approximately Rs 34 crore into the program. The academy will prepare the test papers, while the state's Education Department will oversee the examination process to ensure transparency and fairness.
Benefits Beyond Education
Beyond providing educational support, the initiative is poised to generate substantial employment opportunities within the state:
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Employment Generation: CRACK Academy plans to establish over 90 coaching centers, directly employing around 5,000 individuals and creating additional indirect employment opportunities.
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Infrastructure Development: The academy has committed Rs 1.5 crore towards renovating and maintaining the historic library at Ridge, Shimla. This effort aims to modernize learning facilities while preserving the building's heritage value.
Pilot Success and Future Prospects
The program was initially piloted in the Jawalamukhi Assembly constituency of Kangra district, where students from 50 schools participated. Currently, 220 selected students from Jawalamukhi are receiving merit-based coaching under this scheme, showcasing the program's potential to be scaled statewide.
Conclusion
The 'Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratna' program represents a comprehensive approach to educational enhancement and employment generation in Himachal Pradesh. By investing in the academic success of its youth and improving educational infrastructure, the state government demonstrates a robust commitment to fostering a brighter future for its residents.
