Bhubaneswar, Nov 14 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister NaveenPatnaik today announced scholarships in different categoriesfor over 40,000 students and launched a new campaign, underwhich a Rs 100-crore corpus fund would be set up for thedevelopment of educational institutes.
In his first-ever televised address on the occasion ofChildren's Day, for which the state government had asked thedistrict collectors to make necessary arrangements in schools,the chief minister asked the students to study well and workfor the development of their native places.
The collectors had been making preparations at the blockand panchayat level over the last few days to ensure that thechief minister's address was telecast live for over 60 lakhstudents across the state.
Patnaik said the students should develop a scientificmind while gathering knowledge about modern technologies inorder to translate their dreams into reality.
"I want the students of my state to excel in all fields,including education, sports, music, art and social service,"he said, adding that he had full faith in the youngergeneration.
Patnaik also promised a cash reward of Rs 5,000 under the'Odia Bhasha Brutti Puraskar' scheme for 10 students of eachblock who fetched high marks in the Odia language paper.
He also announced the 'Mukhya Mantri Medha Bruti' (MMMB)cash reward scheme for students faring well in the Class 10board examinations.
As many as 100 students in each block and municipalcorporation area, 50 each in the municipalities and 20 each inthe notified area council (NAC) of the state would benefitfrom the scheme, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief said.
The parents of students who performed well in exams wouldalso be felicitated, Patnaik said, adding that the three bestschools in every block would be given a cash incentive of Rs 1lakh each.
Announcing the 'Mo School' (My School) campaign, thechief minister sought the involvement of the alumni and thepublic in general for the development of the institutions.
"If anybody donates any amount to a school, thegovernment will donate double that amount to that school," hesaid.
Those coming forward to contribute towards the bettermentof the schools could invest in the development oflaboratories, libraries and sports facilities, Patnaik added.
PTI AAM SKN RMSRC.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.