Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today launched a scholarship scheme for poor meritorious students of government schools.
Students securing 80 per cent and more marks would get Rs 30,000 per annum, he said, distributing the Dr Hargobind Khurana Scholarship to students here today.
He said the state was making all efforts to ensure poor students get quality education so as to bridge the gap with their convent-educated peers.
The Chief Minister said his government would open six 'Special Schools' across the state in which meritorious students would also be provided free boarding facilities.
Terming hard work as the key to success, he said he was happy to note that students from rural areas, mainly girls, were securing more than 90 per cent marks.
He said since day one, the SAD-BJP alliance government has given priority to develop the infrastructure of health and education sectors in the state. The opening of nine new universities and 19 colleges was a step in this direction.
Badal also pointed out the initiative to distribute 1.72 lakh bicycles to girl students under 'Mai Bhago Istri Vidya Scheme' enabling them to go to school from far flung areas.
