The project is the first of its kind to be introduced in the region. It was launched by the North Eastern Council (NEC) at Nongrim Hills here.
The project will be first implemented in Meghalaya. Depending on its success, it will be launched in the remaining states of the region.
The basic intention behind the project was to assist students of the Northeast in their preparation for various competitive examinations, especially engineering courses.
Elaborating on the project, NEC human resource department director Sherry Lalthangzo said assistance would be imparted free of cost for two months to 100 students studying in Class XII from five schools in the state.
The schools have been selected by the state government.
The selected educational institutions from Meghalaya include St Mary’s College, Shillong, Government Boy’s Higher Secondary School, Jowai, Pine Mount School, Shillong and St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong. The online-based course will be open 24x7 and will be imparted through ASSANKA in Mumbai. ASSANKA is an online educational platform for students appearing for IIT-JEE, AIEEE, CET and Class XII (science stream) board examinations.
Lalthangzo also said the coaching classes would constantly assess students wherein mentors would identify the strengths and weaknesses of a student. “If this project is successful, it would be extended to the rest of the Northeast,” she said.
NEC secretary U.K. Sangma lamented the fact that very few students from Meghalaya got through renowned institutions like the IITs.
“I hope that this project will help our youngsters in their endeavour to successfully clear competitive examinations and get into top institutions,” Sangma said.
He also said a laptop with an Internet connection would be given to the three top-ranked students from the participating schools.
Atul Nigam, an official from ASSANKA, said the programme in its present form would be extended to 100 more students of Class XI to assist them in pursuing their studies.