THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov. 21: Chief Minister Hemant Soren today said that the government will abolish the criteria of giving financial help to only two girls of a family under the Savitribai Phule Kishori Samridhi Yojana launched to empower girls and keep them engaged in their studies.
Soren said that a maximum number of girls would get the benefit through this scheme and would be united in the same family.
The chief minister was interacting with 20 child scribes of UNICEF, from six government schools of different blocks of Ranchi district, on the occasion of World Children’s Day.
Notably, former Chief Minister Raghubar Das had started the Mukhyamantri Sukanya Yojana in 2019 to promote the education of girls. However, in 2022, the Soren government modified the Mukhyamantri Sukanya Yojana into the Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana.
Also read: Jharkhand: Railway staff hold referendum to go on indefinite strike for old pension scheme
Under this scheme, financial assistance of ₹ 2500 is given to beneficiary girls studying in 8th and 9th class and ₹ 5000 to those studying in 10th, 11th and 12th. Apart from this, a lump sum grant of ₹ 20000 will also be given to the beneficiary girls after completing the age of 18 years. Girls can use the lump sum grant amount for their higher education or marriage.
Through this scheme, girls from 27 lakh families included in the SECC-2011 census of the state and 10 lakhs Antyodaya card-holding families will benefit. That means, in total, daughters of 37 lakh families will be able to get benefits through this scheme. Girls will be able to get continuous education by benefiting from the scheme. It will result in banning child marriages and promoting the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
Encouraging the enthusiasm of the boys and girls, Soren said: “No matter what the circumstances may be, do not break ties with studies. Only education paves the way for a better future.”
Share your needs, problems and troubles with parents
The chief minister said that with the kind of environment that is being created today regarding education and competitive examinations, children are becoming stressed. “Due to this stress, many children also go into depression. This is not a good sign for our society. Children should talk openly about every issue with their parents, guardians and other family members. There should be no hesitation regarding topics in dialogue. Make good associates and live in a healthy environment. This will make children mentally strong and will be able to deal with any situation and any challenge,” he pointed out.
Government steps for education and a better future
The chief minister said that the government is committed to providing better and quality education to children. “In this connection, girls are being linked to Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana so that they remain connected to their studies. Apart from this, the government is also giving full expenses for preparation for competitive exams and doing various courses. If the student wants to pursue education abroad, the government has also started a scheme to provide a 100% scholarship for them,” he pointed out.
Soren said that along with studies, sports and other creativity are also very important for the overall development of children. “This brings out the hidden talent of children and gives them opportunities to enhance it,” he added.
