The plan was suggested in 2010, a state-level selection test was conducted for backward
category students and the highest performers were selected for free coaching and
lodging in Mumbai.
Last year, an Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (IIT)
alumnus decided to start a Top-50 programme, much on the lines of Bihar's Super-30
class, to help the poorest but brightest scheduled caste and scheduled
tribe students from across Maharashtra ace the IIT Joint Entrance Exams (IIT-JEE) free of cost.
The initial plan included tutoring the students for their class XII exams as well.
A year down the line, the idea seems to have fizzled out, as the state government
has not yet cleared the proposal for the current year. As soon as the plan was suggested
in 2010, a state-level selection test was conducted for backward category students
and the highest performers were selected for free coaching and lodging in Mumbai.
The same process has not been carried out this year yet. Praveen Tyagi, who runs
the programme, said that the students who were selected last year had shown tremendous
potential to crack the JEE. In the initial months, some of the students required
help with their English. But they are all very hardworking and are thorough with
theoretical concepts were now working on sharpening their skills, he said.
He added that for students at any level, if they are interested in moving to the
country, the language course will be helpful. Knowing the language and culture of
China will also help in setting up business ventures there, he said.
When asked about the fresh batch of students expected this year, he said he was
waiting for the states approval for the same. In most parts of the state, admission
to junior colleges is already underway and sources said SC/ST students would have
signed up at different colleges by now. Last year, the entrance test took place
even before class X results. Keeping in mind the delay this year, it is doubtful
if there will be students queuing up to take the selection test, a source said.
Social justice minister Shivaji Moghe accepted that there had been some delays in
clearing the order this year, but said his department was going to do the needful
soon. The selection test would be held after the approval, Moghe added.
Courtesy: Times of India
