Vaibhav Solanakar, member of ITI Management Council and General Secretary of Pune District BJP Yuva Morcha, has demanded from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik that the benefit of the "Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar" scheme should also be given to ITI girl students.
The "Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar" scheme launched by the state government for girl students is a commendable initiative. Under this scheme, all girl students studying up to 12th standard are provided with a free monthly pass for ST buses. Additionally, the "ST pass directly to your school" special campaign ensures that school students receive their passes at their schools itself, which is also a welcome move.
However, it is unfortunate that girl students studying in government and private ITI institutions in the state are not benefiting from this scheme. ITI education falls under the category of technical education. Considering the importance of technical education and the fact that girls are pursuing education after 12th, there is a demand that these students should also be provided with free ST passes.
"If concession is given up to 12th standard, then ITI students should also get it," Vaibhav Solanakar has strongly expressed. Especially, girls from rural areas have to travel long distances daily to attend ITI, which puts a significant burden of bus fare on parents. In this context, the demand is gaining momentum that the honorable Chief Minister and Transport Minister should extend this scheme to ITI girl students as well.
"We will soon be in touch with Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and make efforts to ensure that the benefits of the 'Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar' scheme are extended to ITI girl students as well." Vaibhav Solanakar, (Member of the ITI Management Council and General Secretary of BJP Yuva Morcha, Pune District)
