CM launches ‘Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratna’ programme for free coaching
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched the ‘Mere Shahar Ke 100 Ratna’ programme, an initiative designed to offer free coaching for various competitive exams to 6,800 students across the state.
Under this programme, CRACK Academy would provide free coaching to 100 meritorious students from each Assembly constituency, with an estimated investment of Rs 34 crore. “To ensure a fair selection process, tests will be held in schools and colleges in each constituency, where students from Class VI and above can participate,” the CM said.
The top 100 students from each constituency would receive free coaching, while the next 200 students will receive a 75 per cent concession, and the following 500 students would get a 50 per cent concession. The academy would provide continuous support to these students until they achieve their goals.
The CM said that the state government would support CRACK Academy in the successful implementation of this initiative. While the academy would prepare the test papers, the Education Department would oversee the examinations.
To raise awareness, the Chief Minister also launched a mega awareness campaign. The programme was first piloted in Jawalamukhi Assembly constituency in Kangra district, where students from 50 schools participated. Currently, 220 selected students from Jawalamukhi are receiving merit-based coaching under the scheme.
The Chief Minister noted, “This initiative will not only benefit talented students but also create employment opportunities in the state. CRACK Academy plans to establish over 90 coaching centres, directly employing 5,000 people and creating additional indirect employment.”
The academy would also invest Rs. 1.5 crore to renovate and maintain the Library at Ridge, Shimla. The CM directed the academy to preserve the building’s heritage value while incorporating modern technology to enhance the learning environment for students.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Secretary of Education Rakesh Kanwar, Director of Higher Education Amarjeet Sharma and Director of Elementary Education Ashish Kohli, among others were present at the event.
