To rein in dropout rate, free education for 500 girls of 114 villages
distance adding to the dropout rate, a girl’s college in Nagaur’s Didwana is providing education, safety and comfort for parents who are reluctant to send their wards for higher education.
Shri Bangad Mahila College, run by an NGO, Didwana Vikas Parishad Samiti, provides free education, transport, books, bags and accidental insurance to more than 500 students of 114 villages, in and around Didwana.
The use of technology makes the college stand aside — biometric attendance system sends a message to guardians every morning informing that their child has reached the college. Similarly, when the girls leave, a message is sent informing that they have left.
Vandana, who is pursuing BA, said, “My parents were not in favour of a co-education college and when they heard of this college, they agreed thinking it will be safe.” She also avails the free transport facility provided by the college from her village, Dabra, which is 45 km from the college.
Vandana, the daughter of a farmer, said three other girls from nearby villages also go to the same college with her.
President of the NGO Shankar Lal Parsawat said, “The idea behind starting a college and using technology is to ensure that a girl child continues her education. In rural areas, parents are uncomfortable with co-education, therefore chances of dropping out after Class 12 are high.”
The college, started in 2007, has a 100% pass out record, he said. “The girls’ education is free. We collect ₹ 11,000 for every girl every year from donors. At present, we are running three streams–Bachelors of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor in Computer Applications — more streams will be added from the coming academic session.”
No one can enter the college without identity cards, even guardians visiting, are issued ID-card, Parsawat said, adding that for security of students, the management has installed metal detectors in the college.
“These initiatives have yielded results. Our college has a dress code, which too is provided by the samiti,” he said.
“In view of the good work, the state government provided land free of cost to construct the college in 2014.”
Nagaur district collector Kumar Pal Gautam said: “The college is doing good work. Such moves also help in reducing the dropout rate.”
JAIPUR:With