Islampur, July 1: A free coaching centre for economically weak students of Urdu-medium institutions was opened by the State Urdu Academy today.

It is the first such centre in the state.

Sources said the centre would initially coach students preparing for the Madhyamik and the Higher Secondary exams but later, those preparing for competitive exams would also be taught.

Local MLA and minister for mass education and library services, Chowdhury Abdul Karim, inaugurated the centre at Netaji Subash Mancha today.

The unit would operate from Islampur High School. The minister said similar centres will be run in Dalkhola High School, Chakulia High School and Lodhan High School, all in Islampur subdivision of North Dinajpur.

“This is the first-of-its-kind system introduced in the state. Students from Classes VIII-XII will be taught here. The academy will pay Rs 250 to each teacher per class,” said M.I. Nasim, a member of the State Urdu Academy. He added that the academy would hire teachers on contract and students would be taught Urdu, English and Mathematics.

“As of now, 50 students from each class would be taught from 6.30am-9.30am everyday, except Sundays. Later, we will introduce coaching for those who are preparing for competitive exams. The admission process will start tomorrow,” Nasim said.