Bagalkot District Education Department Unveils Cash Incentive Scheme for SSLC Toppers
The Bagalkot district education department has introduced a comprehensive cash incentive program aimed at enhancing SSLC results across government high schools. This initiative targets students in all ten taluks of the district, offering financial rewards to motivate academic excellence.
Three Toppers Per School to Receive Cash Awards
Under the new scheme, each of the 492 government high schools in Bagalkot will award cash incentives to their top three SSLC performers. This is in addition to the existing state government awards of Rs 50,000 for toppers at the district and taluk levels. The specific amount for each school's incentives will vary, depending on the funds collected locally.
Rs 1.1 Crore Mobilized Through Community Fundraising
The education department has successfully mobilized Rs 1.1 crore to fund these cash awards through a widespread fundraising campaign. Contributions have come from various sources including organizations, entrepreneurs, parents, and the general public. The campaign was launched on January 26 at the school level and has seen enthusiastic participation from education supporters across the district.
Ajjappa Chunappa Mannikeri, the Deputy Director of Public Instructions (Administration), explained: "Our goal is to encourage students in all 492 high schools throughout Bagalkot. We initiated this fundraising drive on January 26, and education enthusiasts along with various organizations have generously donated. So far, we have collected Rs 1.1 crore."
Comprehensive Engagement from Education Officials
All relevant officials are actively involved in the fundraising efforts. Headmasters, block coordinators, and block education officers (BEOs) are participating in the drive. Government employees' associations are also contributing to this initiative, demonstrating broad-based support for improving educational outcomes.
Social worker Ghanashyam Bhandage praised the initiative, noting: "The potential for raising funds at government high schools is typically limited since these institutions primarily serve students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This campaign represents a significant effort to overcome that challenge."
Notable Donations and Sustainable Funding Models
The initiative has attracted substantial individual contributions. Retired DGP Shankar Bidari donated Rs 10 lakh in March to SRA Aided High School, where he completed his high school education. Following his suggestion, this amount has been placed as a fixed deposit in a cooperative bank offering 10% annual interest.
Jamakhandi BEO Ashok Basannavar detailed the arrangement: "The school will use the annual interest to provide cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh each to three toppers every year, creating a sustainable award system."
Additional Incentives for Subject Excellence
Beyond recognizing overall toppers, the education department has also announced cash prizes for students achieving 100% marks in individual subjects. This dual approach aims to encourage both comprehensive academic performance and excellence in specific disciplines.
The Bagalkot district's initiative represents a significant investment in public education, combining government support with community participation to create meaningful incentives for student achievement in the SSLC examinations.
