West Bengal CM : Shoes and Waterproof Bags for Students

Mamta Banerjee, on her way to Burdawan for 'Mati Utsav', a government programme, came across some school children who were walking bare foot to their school. Instantly, it spurred her to act and she gave an order to the education department to arrange for school shoes for children.

Mamta, who was in the habit of taking her books and copies in hand, knows the first hand experience of what it means to take soggy books to school and college. and thus, she empathises and understands the need for providing the students with basic necessities.

She will be providing shoes and waterproof bags to 61 lakh school children, studying between  class 5 to class 8. Her government, she said, sanctioned Rs. 154 crore the very next day for distribution of shoes to students from class 1 to 4 in the state, adding, "Again it proves – we do what we say." This initiative has been possible due to Banerjee's previous success of providing the rural households with cycles for school students, since it is difficult for children to cover large distances.

The West Bengal CM has been active with the development of schools and bringing changes for the school students, especially in the rural areas, bringing the literacy rate of West Bengal to 77.08%.

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At a meeting with the education department this week, she has asked the department of expedite the process of distribution of school shoes and so far, distribution of 15 lakh shoes has taken place and promises the distribution of waterproof satchels before monsoon arrives. The state government will have to bear an additional expense of Rs 200 crore. With this act, the Chief Minister has definitely brought a ray of happiness and hope for students in Bengal.

Seems like it is time for school students to walk to their schools with a big smile, shoes on their feet and, books and copies in their waterproof satchel!

Image used for representational purpose only

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