Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has approved standard 8th classes in 452 grant-in-aid Ashram Shalas.

Ashram Shalas function in tribal areas. With this decision, dropout ratio will be down and tribal children will have education facility available nearby, said a statement by State government.

It should be mentioned here that earlier 427 Ashram Shalas were granted approvals for standard 8th classes. Today further 25 are granted permission.

In another related decision, the Chief Minister has approved meal facility in 69 dry hostels benefiting 3450 students who will now get cooked food instead of Rs 1200 monthly food bill assistance. The State government will bear Rs 4.485 additional burden due to this move.

Rupani had made these announcements at BJP rally in Vyara this month. He has now ordered implementation of same.

DeshGujarat