The two populist schemes this year – one to distribute free laptops to PU students and another to distribute sanitary napkins to girl students was dropped by the State government as it is facing serious financial constraints.
With cycle rates going up, the government is also finding it tough to continue the free bicycle scheme for high school girl students. Even during 2013-14 the government could not distribute bicycles. The last distribution was in 2012-13 when the BJP was in power. The government has provided Rs 175 cr for purchasing six lakh bicycles.
The financial constraints have also forced the government to allow BMTC to increase fares by 15 per cent, from Friday onwards. The decision has come a week after the polling for the LS polls were completed on April 17.
All the three schemes – free laptops, cycles and napkins – are aimed at pre-teens and teenagers. The Congress had promised to distribute digital notepads and laptops, in its Assembly election manifesto in 2013.
With close to 10.5 lakh I and II PU students in the State, the free laptops promise had set off a panic situation within the department. However, the department and Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Ratnakar had no alternative but to explore the possibilities of purchasing laptops. A sum of Rs 300 cr was the estimated cost. It is said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah decided to drop the scheme.
A compromise of supplying free laptops to meritorious students was discussed, but to no avail.
Ratnakar said, “As of now we have not decided anything regarding the laptops purchase. I will discuss the matter with the CM and take a call.” Regarding bicycle purchase, Ratnakar said, “The proposal is scheduled to receive state cabinet approval next week. There has been some delay in finalising tenders due to the model code of conduct.”
However, according to official sources the companies which are scheduled to bid for supplying cycles have quoted higher rates, for which the department may find tough to mobilize money.
Funds under a centrally sponsored scheme to distribute free sanitary napkins to high school students were also stopped receiving. The scheme was targeted at several hundred girl students enrolled under the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya. But the scheme has been dropped across the country due to financial inadequacy.
However, the Social Welfare Department is contemplating distributing the napkins to SC/ST students of government hostels though there is no budgetary provision. Department Commissioner S N Jayaram said the proposal would be placed before the State Cabinet.