The 'Begum Rokeya award' consisting of Rs 5000 in cash, a citation and a gold medal would be given to the girl student from the minority community who would secure the highest marks in Madhyamik (Class X) and higher secondary examinations, Sarkar told reporters here.
Begum Rokeya was a social worker and writer of undivided Bengal in the early 20th century.
The state government also decided to appoint 150 doctors soon for the state's hospitals and health centres, Sarkar said.
"We currently have 740 doctors but the number is inadequate because health service is being expanded. We had recruited 82 doctors last year. The new recruits will be posted in rural areas", he said.