Chandigarh, July 6 (IANS): Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Monday approved building of three more schools at Sangrur, Firozpur and Gurdaspur districts at a cost of Rs.30 crore.

This is aimed at offering free education to government school students who scored 80 percent or above in the matriculation exams. This decision was taken by Badal at a meeting to review the progress of meritorious schools here.

An official statement quoting the chief minister said these schools would be established on the pattern of existing seven meritorious schools in the state.

These schools not only impart education but also provide coaching to students for competitive exams and improvement of communication skills so as to be at par with other students from public and convent schools.

Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema said there was an upsurge in the number of students aspiring for an admission in these meritorious schools.

Nearly 8,400 students from various government schools were eligible this year as against 3,500 students last year.