Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren distributed cash awards, laptops and smartphones to state toppers of ICSE, ISC, CBSE and state boards for the academic session 2021-22, earning praise from private school committees which claimed it was the only state in the country to do so.

“The government has decided to felicitate students who have excelled in studies, irrespective of their academic boards, not only with a cash prize but also with the gadgets that have become essential in pursuing higher studies. This is an effort to reduce the financial burden on the parents and increase students’ enthusiasm,” said Soren after giving away prizes to students.

In total, 68 toppers (first, second and third) of JAC, CBSE, ICSE and ISC were awarded at a function in Ranchi on Monday. The first position holders were given a cheque of Rs 3 lakh, while the second and third position holders were given Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively along with a laptop, a smartphone and a certificate.

Hemant Soren gives away gifts to state topper of CBSE board for 2022 at Ranchi on Monday. Manob Chowdhury

“It is a historic move by the Jharkhand government to honour state toppers of all academic boards — Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC - the state board), CBSE, ICSE and ISC — with cash awards, laptops and smartphones. It is the first state in the country to do so for matriculation and intermediate toppers of all boards. This would go a long way in motivating children and parents,” said Private Schools and Children Welfare Association president Alok Dubey in Ranchi on Monday.

The chief minister said: “We know that money is needed for enrolment in good schools and educational institutions and laptops and mobiles are essential for studies. We are confident that more students will be winning the prizes in the coming days and prove that Jharkhand is not only rich in mineral resources but also in studies.”

Cash prizes were also given to the toppers of state Olympiads. In total, Rs 1.32 crore was given to 130 toppers of boards and state Olympiads.

“Till last year toppers of only Jharkhand board were receiving cash prizes. However, after the chief minister’s nod, we decided to include even state toppers of other boards such as CBSE, ICSE and ISC.

“The chief minister also expressed the desire that toppers should be gifted with gadgets which would help them in pursuing higher education and after approval of the state cabinet earlier this year, we have decided to gift laptops and smartphones to each of the toppers,” said a senior official of Jharkhand Education Project Council in Ranchi.

Soren also launched a coffee table book containing the information and achievements of the art festival organised under the Khelo Jharkhand and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan organised for intellectual and physical development among the players.