Bhopal: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the state government will bear all educational expenses of talented daughters on taking admission in medical, engineering courses or joining IIT or IIM like institutions if their parents are not income tax payee. There would be 33 per cent reservation for girls in government jobs he added. Chouhan was distributing the maiden Ladli Laxmi Scholarship to eligible daughters who have joined sixth standard.

Minister for Women and Child Development Archana Chitnis presided over the function at CM House here today. Forest Minister Gauri Shankar Shejwar, School Education Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, Agriculture Minister Gauri Shankar Bisen, Minister of State for Tribal Welfare Gyan Singh, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Lalita Yadav, Former Chief Minister Kailash Joshi, Minister of state for Renewable Energy Harsh Singh and parents of Ladli Laxmi were present.

The Chief Minister said that a long cherished dream has come true today. Today accounts of Ladli Laxmi beneficiaries have Rs 6900 crore. They will get Rs 27,640 crore when they turn 21 years of age. He said that a number of schemes have been launched for advancement of girls. They are coming forward in all fields. He said that the nation will march faster when girls assume leading positions in society.

The state government will support them on every front. He urged them to participate in PM’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao drive. He said that the Ladli Laxmi Yojana has brought fame to Madhya Pradesh in the world. Archana Chitnis said that the Ladli Laxmi Yojana has received an overwhelming response from across the nation. The situation has changed today. Girl child is welcome in families.

Minister for School Education Vijay Shah stressed on discharging collective responsibility to ensure that no student is dropped out of school. Minister of State for Women and Child Development Lalita Yadav said that maximum benefits will be ensured to the deserving women under Department’s innovative programmes.

The Chief Minister released a brochure on nutrition drive. He also distributed seeds and plants of drum pipes. He visited an exhibition on the subject. Principal Secretary Women and Child Department JN Kansotia gave a welcome speech. Commissioner Women and Child Development Pushplata Singh, Commissioner Women’s Empowerment Jayshree Kiyawat were present.