Minister of State for Education, Technical Education and Culture, Priya Sethi today called for equal access to education for the girl child enabling her to play a proactive role in the socio-economic development of the country.The Minister was speaking during the launch of 1st edition of Annual School Magazine, “PUSHAPANJALI” at Government Girls Model Higher Secondary School here.Emphasising on girl education, the Minister said it is the duty of every citizen to advocate and promote girl child education to fulfil the objective of nationwide drive “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for empowering the women in the country. The message is to save and educate the girl child, thereby giving them equal opportunity in all aspects of life, she added.“Educating a girl and empowering her is a key for the development of the nation”, the Minister affirms.Highlighting various initiatives, the Minister said that the coalition government has launched several schemes for the welfare of women, Women Degree Colleges and Girls hostels were established and many more such initiatives were taken in last three years for enhancing the education scenario with special focus on girl education.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also advised girls to focus on education as it is the only stream which has the potential to bring about the desired social change, she added.The government has taken concerted steps for establishing Special Cultural Clubs for culture activities and Counselling cells for right career guidance.Addressing the students, Priya asked them to motivate themselves to make effective contribution to the development of the country. Girls should be encouraged to stand up for their rights and express themselves with confidence that can only be possible by educating them.Priya asked the students to not only restrict themselves to studies only but also let the window of creativity open and hoped that the magazine will proved to be instrumental in bringing out the creative personality in students as well as the faculty members.She said that such magazines will enhance the credibility of educational institutions and proved to be educative and informative.Priya asked the district administration to submit a report pertaining to various demands put forth by the students and also instructed the Chief Education Officer to redress the issues at the earliest.
The Minister assured the school administration and students that if required, funds will be allotted through her CDF. Examination hall for the school to be included in state's plan, she added.She also instructed the school administration to start NCC classes to add up to the confidence of girl students.Taking a strict note, the Minister directed school administrations throughout the state to exempt the students form the work they are not supposed to do.Speaking on the occasion, MLA Samba, Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal appreciated the efforts of the faculty and students for expressing their literacy tendency and innovative ideas through the magazine.Dignitaries also facilitated the students who excel in education, sports and other extracurricular activities.Additional Deputy Commissioner Samba, Tilak Raj Sharma, Chief Education Officer, Samba, Ram Pal, Principal, Government Girls Model Higher Secondary School, Samba, Jai Krishan Raina besides senior officers of Education Department along with faculty and staff members of the school were present on the occasion.