New schemes launched for women, specially-abled children

New Delhi, November 12: The government Tuesday launched two schemes in the area of technical education -- one for differently-abled children and another for women -- on the occasion of National Education Day. The schemes, Pragati and Saksham, to be implemented by the All India Council for Technical Education, were launched here in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee and Human Resource Development Minster Smriti Irani, among others.

Pragati, which is aimed at providing assistance for advancement of girl participation in technical education, envisages selection of one girl per family, where the family income is less than Rs.6 lakh per annum, on merit in the qualifying examination to pursue technical education. The scheme attempts to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future.

Saksham is aimed at providing encouragement and support to specially-abled children to pursue technical education. Under the scheme, 1,000 scholarships every year will be awarded to differently-abled students whose family income is less than Rs.6 lakh per annum. The candidates will be selected on basis of qualifying examination to pursue technical education in AICTE approved institutions from amongst such candidates. According to the ministry, the scholarship money will ensure "students with disabilities achieve their college goals, despite learning issues, environmental challenges, or medical bills".

IANS