ASSOCHAM’s Managing Committee, chaired by its president Mr Venugopal Dhoot, took this decision on Friday in Chennai. “We will provide education to 300 girls those below poverty line, having family income of less than Rs 5,000 per month. Free education will include boarding, lodging, clothing and books,” the Chamber said in a press release.
Mr Dhoot said, “ASSOCHAM–Rai Foundation would be implementing the decision with immediate effect.” Eligible candidates can approach the Chamber or Rai Foundation.
As part of education sector initiatives, ASSOCHAM has already organized ten skill development programs for the underprivileged sector. According to an ASSOCHAM release, the Chamber is also planning to train entrepreneurs and to help establish coaching programs in universities to lower dropout rates amongst students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are currently undertaking such programs. Mr. Dhoot said that a special task force has been constituted under the chairmanship of former ITC Chairman Mr. K.L. Chugh and a concrete action plan will be announced soon.
