Date:09/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/09/stories/2005040906900300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Fertilizer firm evolves scholarship scheme

By Our Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR, APRIL 8. The Godavari Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited will extend financial assistance to girl students studying SSC in rural areas, from this academic year.

The company plans to extend Rs. 3,000 each to two students studying in ZP High Schools. Coined `Godavari Gramina Patashala Balikala Pratibha Puraskara Pathakam', the company proposes to cover 50 schools each in the six districts of Anantapur, Nizamabad, Guntur, Krishna, East and West Godavari, according to K.N. Penchalaiah, Area Sales Manager of the company.

"Instances of talented girls discontinuing their studies due to financial problems are umpteen, particularly in districts like Anantapur. The company has evolved the scheme to prevent such instances, at least to some extent. It is a small effort towards tackling a major problem,'' Mr. Penchalaiah said after launching the scheme yesterday.

Selection process

Selection of beneficiaries would be purely on merit basis. The scholarships would be given in two instalments. While the first instalment of Rs. 1,500 would be given on August 15, the remaining amount would be given on January 26.

"Poverty is the main villain, which has been forcing children to opt out of studies. Efforts such as this may be small, but will go a long way in tackling the problem," said the Zilla Parishad Chairperson, G. Thippeswamy.

He appealed to industrialists and philanthropists to draw up such schemes in the larger interest of society.