Ranchi: In an effort to check school dropouts in the state, Jharkhand will now provide a chance of a free ride on a helicopter or a glider to those who attend classes regularly. This is part of its ongoing series of innovative programmes.

State Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Bandhu Tirkey said that the students who have a minimum attendance of 70 per cent and an outstanding performance will be given a chance to enjoy the ride, reports IANS.

He said the programme would be kicked off by Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren on November 10.

"We want to inculcate competitive attitude in the students so that they attend classes. The move is aimed to check dropouts in schools," Tirkey said.

From each district, around 200 students will be selected every year for the free ride. The HR Department will bear the expenses incurred on the rides.

Earlier, initiatives like birthday celebrations and hair cut for students in the school campus were announced by the HRD Department.

In Jharkhand, the literacy rate is 54 per cent against the national average of 65 per cent.