Bangalore:
After laborious efforts in studying for his Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exam, Prashanth S K, a student from Mahatma Gandhi Pre-University College,Tumkur, secured 96.16 per cent to emerge as one of district toppers.
Prashanth, along with 109 other toppers from various districts from across the State, walked away with brand new personal computers sponsored by the State government.
At a function organised by the Department of Public Instruction on Thursday, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri distributed computers symbolically to government high school students who came out with flying colours in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams held in the month of April.
"When I looked at consolidated results of these students, I was inspired by their achievements. With hundreds of students securing 98% and above, it is a strong reply to the cynics who speak ill of government schools. I can say with confidence that government high schools can give private schools a tough run for their money," said Kageri.
The scheme to distribute computers along with certificates to meritorious students was launched in 2009-10, with 108 toppers. "In the present scenario, it is not enough to learn how to read and write. Computer education becomes critical in learning. With Rs 38 lakh set aside for this scheme, we want to help students keep up with the times," he said. He added that there were plans to extend this scheme to achievers in extracurricular activities and sports.
Further, the minister said that the government was doing its bit in encouraging schools that had a cent per cent pass result by providing special aid. "This year, 389 unaided schools have 100 per cent pass results, with 109 aided schools also faring well. The State government will give such schools Rs 10,000 as special aid," he said.
The scheme, at present, covers 34 districts in the State which includes four educational districts - Bangalore North, Madhugiri, Sirsi and Chikodi.