STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed scooties to 15,160 meritorious girl students during the second phase of 'Dr Banikanta Kakati Merit Award' under the 'Pragyan Bharati Scheme' of the State government at the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital auditorium on Wednesday.
Of the 15,160 meritorious girl students, while 5,028 students are from the 2018 batch, a total of 10,132 are from the 2019 batch. In the first phase, altogether 22,245 students were distributed scooties.
Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "The journey from cycle to scooty symbolizes the upgradation of the State," adding, "the meritorious boys will also get motor cycles."
"We have set an example for women empowerment in Assam during our tenure; but the distribution of scooties has no connection with politics. This is a gesture indicating love and affection for our students," stressed Sarma.
He underlined, "This scooty symbolizes the academic achievement of a student; and to also encourage her to tackle more challenges in her academic life. It should not be misutilized to undertake any rally of political parties."
"We are seriously concerned with all the issues that have targeted the womenfolk like early motherhood in the char areas, women falling victim to talaq, polygamy and many other such anti-women practices," said Sarma.
Meanwhile some students of the 2018-2019 batch staged a protest outside the auditorium during the ceremony. They have alleged that they were deprived under the scheme.