To drastically reduce dropout rate of students belonging to weaker sections of society, a comprehensive scheme at the cost of nearly Rs 280 crore was formulated under which all girl students belonging to Scheduled Caste families were given a monthly stipend ranging from Rs 150 to Rs 400. Similarly, boys belonging to these classes were given a monthly stipend ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 300 per month. For meeting all school-related expenses, one-time allowance ranging from Rs 740 to Rs 1,450 was given. Similar benefits for girls belonging to BPL families are being considered.

The results of these efforts are before us as the dropout rate of students belonging to Scheduled Castes and weaker sections has come down significantly. Also, parents who used to withdraw students from schools due to economic reasons are now encouraged to send their wards to schools. These innovative schemes have the potential to go a long way in empowering weaker sections of society.

The state Government has decided to make women the drivers of this collective effort for educational transformation. To ensure that women get higher education, we have set up Bhagat Phool Singh College in Khanpur Kalan in Sonepat district. Sakshar Mahila Samooh scheme has been implemented to ensure participation of educated women in developmental process.

To improve the quality of education in the state, we have enacted a legislation to pave the way for private universities in Haryana. We are also setting up Rajiv Gandhi Education city at Kundli in Sonepat district where 25 per cent seats would be reserved for students from the state. Similarly, we are upgrading Deenbandhu Chhottu Ram Engineering College at Murthal to University of Science and Technology and setting up a medical university at Rohtak. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also sanctioned a Central university and an Indian Institute of Management for Haryana.

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