MUMBAI: A leading educational institute in Maharashtra has decided to reserve two per cent seats in all its schools, institutes and vocational courses for daughters of serving defence personnel.

"As a tribute to those who defend our frontiers and make our lives secure, we have decided to reserve two per cent seats in our engineering and other schools and colleges for daughters of serving non commissioned officers and other ranks," Pravara Education Trust chairman Ashok Vikhe Patil told reporters here.

The decision was approved at the Trust's Annual General Meeting. Vikhe Patil, son of former Union minister Balasaheb Vikhe Patil, said.

"This idea was mooted by our Chairman Emeritus, Padmabhushan Balasaheb Vikhe Patil who was Chairman of Parliament Defence Committee for five years," he said.

The Trust has 125 institutions having over 40,000 students from primary school level to those studying in advanced professional courses like engineering, pharmacy, MBA Agriculture Biotechnology, information technology etc.

Former Air Chief P V Naik will head the admissions committee and select deserving students by coordinating with Armed Forces, Vikhe Patil said.

"The Trust won't charge any fee for studies and hostel facilities from the selected girl students. We want the defence personnel to know that the country is proud of what they are doing for us. This is our small token of appreciation for their service," he said.