Kochi: The Vidyadhanam Trust of Prof. K.V. Thomas, MP, will spend '2 crore for various scholarships and other schemes in the education sector during this year. The Trust has been implementing various projects for the benefit of students not only studying in pre-primary classes but all the way up to professional courses. While addressing a press conference at Ernakulam Press Club on Tuesday, Prof. Thomas said that the noon meal programme for school students named ‘Vidyaposhanam Poshakasamrudham’ will be launched on October 26 by former chief minister A.K Antony.
The Rs 50 lakh scheme will benefit more than 50, 000 students. The programme is already functional in 141 schools in the district and will be extended to 21 more schools, he said. The next phase of the Vidyadhanam project, under which a scholarship and financial incentive to bright students from Government and aided schools will be given, will be inaugurated by Finance Minister T.M Thomas Isaac by October end. Under the Karshikamithram project, which was aimed at imparting the organic farming culture among students, one lakh curry leaf saplings will be distributed.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the first phase of the programme in November. In order to promote the reading habit of students, about 1000 kindles will be provided to colleges and higher secondary schools as part of the e-vayana scheme, added Prof. Thomas.
