Prayas Vidyalaya doing better in education: Panel

RAIPUR, Chhattisgarh: Chairman, Parliamentary Committee Dr. (Professor) Kirit Premjibhai Solanki said Prayas Vidyalaya of Chhattisgarh is doing better work in the field of education for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes as well as children of Naxal-affected families. It is commendable. The panel praised the work being done in the social, economic and educational fields of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in state during interaction with Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain and other senior officials. The Panel was on a two day visit to the State. The team visited Prayas Residential Girls School of Raipur. The Chief Secretary said that Eklavya Vidyalaya buildings are being constructed on forest land in Scheduled areas. He urged the committee to exempt the amount of diversion fee charged on forest land. Solanki suggested fee waiver for children belonging to SC and ST in medical colleges.  Director General of Police Ashok Juneja in his presentation said that in order to deal with crimes committed against SC and ST, out of 33 districts of the state, special police stations have been set up in 27 districts. SC/ST cells have been formed in remaining districts. Deputy Superintendents of Police have been appointed in these police stations. Similarly, special courts are also functioning in 11districts, which review cases continuously. Solanki said that it is an appreciable step being undertaken under The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He said the committee will recommend the works being done to be undertaken in other states. Commissioner of Tribal and Scheduled Castes Development Department, Shammi Abidi said the state government is working on schemes with four components – faith, loyalty, effort and cooperation in naxal areas. The focus is for their all-round development of the children of Naxal affected districts. Free education is being provided till 12th. Orphans are reimbursed tuition fee and traveling expenses during post matriculation course. The Chief Secretary presented the products made from millets to the parliamentary committee. He apprised the parliamentary committee about the work being undertaken by the government in Millets Mission.