Punjab is all set to launch an ambitious scheme from July 1 to empower girls by providing them free education up to Class 12.

Punjab has taken this step to encourage poor families to educate their girl child without feeling any financial burden, the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, said today.

He said free education to girls up to Class 12, besides checking the drop out rate, will empower them. From July 1, all government and government-aided schools will provide free education to free education up to Class 12.

Mr Badal said school would not even charge local funds from girls. He said that under this scheme, funds like admission fee, re-admission fee, amalgamated funds, PTA and sports would not be charged from them.

Mr Badal said that Punjab government has set aside Rs 26 crore for this scheme. He added that 1.46 lakh Class 11 and 12 girl students would get free bicycle on 15th August from Punjab government.