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Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced scholarships in different categories for over 40,000 students and launched a new campaign, under which a Rs 100-crore corpus fund would be set up for the development of educational institutes.
In his first-ever televised address on the occasion of Children's Day, for which the state government had asked the district collectors to make necessary arrangements in schools, the chief minister asked the students to study well and work for the development of their native places.
The collectors had been making preparations at the block and panchayat level over the last few days to ensure that the chief minister's address was telecast live for over 60 lakh students across the state.
Patnaik said the students should develop a scientific mind while gathering knowledge about modern technologies in order 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 younger generation.
Patnaik also promised a cash reward of Rs 5,000 under the 'Odia Bhasha Brutti Puraskar' scheme for 10 students of each block 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 10 board examinations.
As many as 100 students in each block and municipal corporation area, 50 each in the municipalities and 20 each in the notified area council (NAC) of the state would benefit from the scheme, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief said.
The parents of students who performed well in exams would also be felicitated, Patnaik said, adding that the three best schools in every block would be given a cash incentive of Rs 1 lakh each.
Announcing the 'Mo School' (My School) campaign, the chief minister sought the involvement of the alumni and the public in general for the development of the institutions.
"If anybody donates any amount to a school, the government will donate double that amount to that school," he said.
Those coming forward to contribute towards the betterment of the schools could invest in the development of laboratories, libraries and sports facilities, Patnaik added.
