Indian Army has been undertaking multiple welfare activities in remote areas of Ladakh as part of ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’. Seven Army Goodwill Schools are being run by the army to provide quality education to over 2,200 students in the region. During the 2022-23 financial year, Rs. 8.82 crores have been allotted for various activities such as human resource development, sports, healthcare, infrastructure development, and education.
Health and sanitation, community development, and infrastructure projects are being executed as part of this initiative. Medical camps, veterinary camps, and medical aid centers have been established, and community development projects include water supply schemes, community halls, sports facilities, and the construction of roads and toilets. 17 infrastructure projects have been planned, including a computer lab, sports complex, and youth empowerment node.
Women in remote areas of Ladakh are being empowered through vocational training, computer centers, and classes for various activities like pashmina shawl weaving and wool knitting. An initiative called ‘Kargil Ignited Minds’ has been launched to help girl students prepare for competitive exams. Due to COVID restrictions, capacity-building tours were not conducted in the past two years, but five tours have been organized this year, with more planned for next year.
‘Operation SADBHAVANA’ aims to achieve objectives such as national integration, women empowerment, employment generation, education and development activities. Projects are selected after taking local aspirations into consideration and ensuring there is no duplicity with civil administration projects. The initiative is fulfilling its objectives and contributing toward nation building
