These retired men run 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' with their pensions

At a time when the Centre and State governments are making concerted efforts to ensure that 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' is a success, there are a couple of people who have taken the responsibility to educate girls in rural areas of Rajasthan on their shoulders.

Interestingly, they are not a part of any community or NGO but are just individuals who want to make sure that girls are not denied of their rights.

Retired lecturer Gheesaram and retired captain of the Indian Army Ramesh Kumar having been spending a part of their pension on the education of girls in Saamvlodh village of Buhana district in Rajasthan.

"These days, people are not interested in motivating girls belonging to rural areas to aspire for good education. Girls who wish to pursue higher education face setbacks due to family and financial constraints," lamented Kumar. Notably, these two men started the movement years ago when they were government servants. It has been 15 years since Kumar decided to spend a portion of his income on the education of girls. In the beginning, girls were given Rs 100 a month which has now been increased to Rs 1,000. Though the men are retired now, they continue to donate money for the education of girls in their village.

It's not just these monthly donations to their credit. Kumar has spent more than Rs 2 lakh in renovating the school building. Their efforts clearly have made an impact with the number of girls getting enrolled in the village school steadily increasing.