NRIs pitch in to distribute uniforms among students

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, August 17

Amid the controversy regarding scarce funds for uniforms of students, two NRI natives of Khaira Majha village who are currently residing in Canada pitched in Rs 40,000 for school kids’ uniforms along with swings worth Rs 20,000 and an RO system, saying that development of government schools was the first step towards development of their village.

Block Master Trainer (BMT) Pankaj Kumar of the Parho Punjab, Padhao Punjab Project said Manhohar Singh Sodhi and Balwant Singh, two NRIs of the Khaira village after seeing the dedication of teachers and efforts put in by the Education Department to improve the quality of education in the state decided to contribute towards the development of schools and donated uniforms for children worth Rs 40,000, swings of Rs 20,000 and an RO system so that students can drink pure water.

He also said with the help of Manhohar Sodhi, last year also benches were donated to the school that too without seeking any additional financial assistance from the Department of Education. “We are now also planning to give furniture among other things to the school,” said Balwant Singh.

A government school teacher said, “The amount allocated to provide uniforms to the students is hardly Rs 400 to Rs 600 per student. With such a meagre amount, it is impossible to buy full uniform. A uniform costs nearly Rs 800 to Rs 1000. So, realising the needs of the students, we usually motivate rich people who can afford to donate such things to contribute for the development of the schools.”

“The school is situated in our own village. Helping these children gives me a sense of satisfaction. I believe in charity. A small contribution costs nothing in front of the happiness you receive by helping others,” said Manhohar Singh.