The Tribal Development Department of Maharashtra has joined hands with the Pace Educational Trust to kick-start a groundbreaking academic programme for aspiring doctors and engineers from tribal backgrounds. This initiative is dubbed “Super 50”, and draws inspiration from Anand Kumar’s ‘Super 30’ programme, which is based in Patna and provides underprivileged students an opportunity to take the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) entrance exam.
About the Super 50 Programme
Aimed at mentoring 50 of the state’s most promising tribal students for their upcoming engineering and medical examination, the Super 50 programme promises to revolutionize the educational landscape for tribal communities. It is designed as a two-year residential program, where selected students will not only receive rigorous training but also have access to hostel and mess facilities, a tablet, NCERT books, and career counselling.
Eligibility for this programme is straightforward. Tribal students who have passed their class 10th examination can enroll for the entrance test that would pave the way for becoming part of the Super 50 batch.
Kashmir Super 50 Project
In March 2013, another version of this empowering initiative was launched in the Kashmir region – the Kashmir Super 50. This project was a joint effort by the Indian Army, the Centre for Social Responsibility and Leadership (CSRL), and PETRONET LNG Limited (PLL). The goal was similar; transform the educational prospects for children from economically weaker sections, but this time, in the Kashmir region.
The Kashmir Super 50 is an 11-month programme. Each year selects 50 students who are provided free residential coaching for not just IIT-JEE but also JKCET and other premier Engineering Institutes.
Comparison: Super 50 vs. Kashmir Super 50
| Super 50 | Kashmir Super 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launched by | Tribal Development Department of Maharashtra and Pace Educational Trust | Indian Army, Center for Social Responsibility and Leadership (CSRL) and PETRONET LNG Limited (PLL) |
| Duration | 2 years | 11 months |
| Focus group | Tribal students from Maharashtra | Students from economically weaker sections in the Kashmir region |
| Preparation for | Engineering and medical exams | IIT-JEE, JKCET, and other premier Engineering Institutes |
Conclusion
Socially empowering initiatives like the Super 50 programme and the Kashmir Super 50 are pivotal in shaping the future of education in India. By creating a platform where the underprivileged and marginalized can have access to quality education and mentoring, these programs are promoting equal opportunities and facilitating the unleashing of a pool of untapped potential. The hope is that more such endeavors will be launched across the country, ensuring greater inclusivity in India’s education system.
