No fees for girls upto higher secondary level in state schools, says J&K govt

Srinagar: In a significant move which will benefit thousands of girls studying in state run schools in Jammu and Kashmir, the state government while presenting the annual financial budget announced fee waiver for all girl students studying up to the higher secondary level. The initiative was announced by state finance minister, Haseeb Drabu while presenting the annual budget in state legislature. The move is seen as a possible outcome of Mehbooba Mufti taking over as the first woman Chief Minister of J&K with more women-empowering oriented schemes coming to forefront. “Really, this is the best initiative to be taken for safeguarding the future of girl students in J&K. Because all aren’t born with silver spoon and this policy of government will ensure that the girl even from extreme poor background will be able to study till higher secondary level,” said Aleeza Zafar, a 10th class student from Doda district of J&K. The finance Minister, while presenting the budget, announced 10 per cent area in all industrial estates of the state to be reserved for women entrepreneurs aimed at boosting their participating in taking entrepreneur activities. Two Entrepreneur Development Centers in Srinagar and Jammu will also be set up to help the entrepreneurs in this regard. “In Jammu and Kashmir, Entrepreneurship is almost never associated with women. The scenario has changed in recent years, but government policies weren’t conducive for active participation of women. However, it now feels that government has become much serious over equal gender participation in entrepreneurial activities,” said Iqra Ali from Srinagar, who completed her MBA recently and intends to be an entrepreneur. Earlier this year, a special bus service for women was launched in Srinagar on April 19 to a loud approval from women commuters was also among the special mentions and the government has earmarked an additional amount of Rs 5 crore for bus service both in Jammu and Srinagar. Women commuters had for long complained about the harassment they face at the hands of male commuters while travelling in the public transport. The Minister also said that provision has been made to provide exclusive women toilets in all the state, district and sub district hospitals. Regarding the set-up of women police stations, Dr Drabu said that four more women police stations will be set up in Pulwama, Kupwara, Kathua and Udhampur. “Really, this is the best initiative to be taken for safeguarding the future of girl students in J&K. Because all aren’t born with silver spoon and this policy of government will ensure that the girl even from extreme poor background will be able to study till higher secondary level,” said Aleeza Zafar, a 10th class student from Doda district of J&K. The finance Minister, while presenting the budget, announced 10 per cent area in all industrial estates of the state to be reserved for women entrepreneurs aimed at boosting their participating in taking entrepreneur activities. Two Entrepreneur Development Centers in Srinagar and Jammu will also be set up to help the entrepreneurs in this regard. “In Jammu and Kashmir, Entrepreneurship is almost never associated with women. The scenario has changed in recent years, but government policies weren’t conducive for active participation of women. However, it now feels that government has become much serious over equal gender participation in entrepreneurial activities,” said Iqra Ali from Srinagar, who completed her MBA recently and intends to be an entrepreneur. Earlier this year, a special bus service for women was launched in Srinagar on April 19 to a loud approval from women commuters was also among the special mentions and the government has earmarked an additional amount of Rs 5 crore for bus service both in Jammu and Srinagar. Women commuters had for long complained about the harassment they face at the hands of male commuters while travelling in the public transport. The Minister also said that provision has been made to provide exclusive women toilets in all the state, district and sub district hospitals. Regarding the set-up of women police stations, Dr Drabu said that four more women police stations will be set up in Pulwama, Kupwara, Kathua and Udhampur. News/Photo Credits: TwoCircles.net