The Ernakulam district administration, supported by the Fisheries and Education Departments, has launched a promising project named 'Puthuyugam' where students from the fishing community will be coached free for medical and engineering entrance coaching. Following Cyclone Ockhi, the district administration decided to include students from fishermen community for the entrance coaching programme this year.

Authorities carried out a preliminary test which was attended by 79 Plus-Two students from different parts of the district. After an aptitude examination, 50 students were selected for the entrance course. 

The students who are good at studies but are from poor financial backgrounds will be selected for the project. In a similar project conducted last year, the district administration provided free entrance coaching to around 450 students from financially poor backgrounds. The classes would be held during school holidays. Teachers who are experts in relevant subjects and prominent persons in society have been selected to conduct the classes. 

(This story first appeared in The New Indian Express)