[ticskebasse]

The state government announced Wednesday a series of welfare measures for school students, especially in rural areas, at a cost of around Rs.491 crore to increase enrollment and reduce the number of dropouts.

Students from class I to VIII would receive two sets of uniform in addition to the existing two from the 2012-13 academic year.

CM Jayalalithaa removed the hurdle of wearing halfpants and half-sarees by declaring that boys and girls studying in class VI and above would be provided trousers and salwar kameez. The clothes would cost the state Rs.259.95 crore.

A government press release said nearly 47 lakh students would benefit from this.
CM also announced footwear for around 81 lakh students at a cost of Rs.94 crore and schoolbags, geometry and colour pencil boxes for 92 lakh students at a cost of Rs.136 crore.

She doubled the prize money given to class X and class XII toppers to motivate BC/MBC and students from de-notified communities.

-dc chn