Govt to spend Rs 3 lakh per student for 2 years
Ponda: In a major push towards educational empowerment, the Directorate of Tribal Welfare has rolled out an awareness programme under the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Laksh Siddhi Yojana for the
academic year 2025–26, aimed at helping Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in Goa prepare for competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE.
“Education is an important tool for social upliftment. Such programmes are designed to bridge the gap and give tribal students equal opportunities in highly competitive fields like medicine and engineering,” said Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar.
In the initial stage, provision has been made for 50 NEET and 50 JEE students, with boarding accommodation at Balram Vidyalay complex, Canacona.
Under the programme, a total of 300 students, including 150 for NEET and 150 for JEE, will be shortlisted to receive structured coaching support.
One of the key highlights is the financial backing provided by the Tribal Welfare Department.
Officials said that the department will invest up to Rs 3 lakh per student under the scheme for two years, making high-quality coaching accessible to deserving candidates.
“Access to quality coaching can transform opportunities for tribal youth. The scheme will begin with its first phase in Canacona and expand to Margao in the second phase,” said officials on Wednesday during a programme held in Ponda.
Based on SSC results, a merit-based entrance test will be conducted for the admission process.
Tribal Welfare Department Director Ravindra Gaonkar and Nilesh Dhaigodkar were also present at the event, along with representatives from Aacharya Academy, including Dnyaneshwar Mudkule, who will be associated with conducting the coaching classes.
