Raipur chopper rides face rough weather

The fate of Chhattisgarh's unique scheme offering helicopter rides to meritorious students hangs in the balance, as the new BJP-led government under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has yet to take a decision. The scheme, introduced by former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in 2022, provided helicopter rides to Class 10th and 12th toppers and financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh under the 'Swami Atmanand Medhavi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana.' While the first batch of 125 students received the ride and monetary support, the students who topped the 2023 exams are still awaiting their promised rewards.

With a change in leadership, there's uncertainty around whether the scheme will be scrapped or altered. However, the state government has clarified that no decision has been made to discontinue it. "The Chhattisgarh government has not taken any decision to discontinue the helicopter ride and Rs 1.5 lakh financial assistance scheme for board exam toppers. Due to the recent Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, the scheme could not be implemented with consistent continuity," a statement from the state government to ET read.

The government has also forwarded a proposal for further consideration, with expectations to resume the scheme later this year.