New Delhi: Indian Army gave a scholarship of Rs 1.45 crore to 71 needy students of Jammu and Kashmir. The move by Army not only helps them in getting the best of education but also helps in transforming the region. 

Realising the importance of the role of education in transforming the society, the Army has identified education as a priority area for the military - civic program under Operation Sadbhavana in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Army Commander Northern Command gave financial aid to 71 selected students from below poverty line (BPL) category and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir in Udhampur. The financial aid provided under Sadbhavana to needy children included a scholarship to the tune of Rs 1.45 crores.

The 71 students those who received scholarship included 45 students for Army Public School, Beas and 26 for Drona Boys Hostel, Udhampur). The scholarship covers the complete expenditure of their schools to include education fees, boarding, lodging and transportation.

“The idea of sponsoring the education of these students at the Army Public School, Beas and Drona Boys Hostels has many benefits. The students not only get the best of education at par with any premier education institute in the country but also get an opportunity to get to know the diverse culture of this great nation. They are moulded as better citizens and integrated into the national mainstream,” said a senior official.

The Army Commander said that the Army would do everything possible within the ambit of Operation Sadbhavana to assist the civilian population of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those who are affected by terrorism, to address their problems.

The contribution of the Indian Army in shaping future generations with a positive attitude as part of the overall strategy in bringing normalcy in the state.  Since 1998, the Indian Army, in its unique initiative of Operation Sadbhavana, carries out a series of civic action programmes to alleviate the problems of the civil population in the terrorist affected, remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

Every year the Army spends approximately Rs 20 crores for education activities including Army Goodwill Schools and Scholarships. Army runs over 43 schools wherein over 15000 students study and over 1000 staff are employed to shape the future of the children of Jammu and Kashmir.