Edu-leaders

The Panjab University (PU) in Chandigarh has come up with a unique idea to provide free education to orphans and destitute students.

This proposal was mooted in the financial board meeting, which was attended by senior officials of Chandigarh administration and PU.

“Every year, many scholarships are given to students on merit and need-based basis. A lot of students who get scholarships are from affluent families and they do not take the benefits,” said VK Singh, Chandigarh’s Finance Secretary.

“These unused scholarships can go to other needy students. We have decided to provide free education to orphans and destitute by awarding them scholarships. A comprehensive plan will be made in this regard and the scheme will be launched after getting the required approvals,” stated Singh.

PU, which is one of the oldest varsities of the country, is the alma mater of many senior bureaucrats, politicians, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“We are in favour of providing free education and hostel facility to orphans. Besides, we are planning to give 50 per cent discount in the tuition and hostel fees to those students who had lost their fathers and their mothers are housewife,” said RC Sobti, Vice Chancellor of PU.