SADBHAVANA SCHEME - DEFENCE & SECURITY

News: In major outreach, Indian Army adopts J&K’s remote village under ‘Sadbhavana’ programme

 

What's in the news?

       In a major initiative, the Indian Army has announced its decision to adopt Topi Pir village in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Key takeaways:

       The announcement came days after three civilians from the village were allegedly tortured and killed by the army.

       The initiative has been taken under ‘Sadbhavana’ (goodwill) programme.

 

Operation Sadbhavana:

       Sadbhavana means goodwill. The Operation Sadbhavana was launched by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

 

Need for the Scheme:

       The terrorist organizations in the Kashmir region are trying to subvert government officials and target the public symbols and services.

       The organizations aim to alienate the local population by this. Once alienated they become easy targets. More people can be pulled into terrorism by this.

 

Aim:

       To help people affected by terrorism in the region.

       The operations mainly targets to address the aspirations of the people.

 

Features:

       As part of ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’, Indian Army is undertaking multiple welfare activities such as running Army Goodwill Schools, Infrastructure Development Projects and Education Tours etc. for the children living in remote areas of Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh.

       To improve the standard of education and to provide them with quality education, the Indian Army is presently running seven (07) Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) under ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’ in Ladakh Region.

       Women in remote areas of Ladakh are being empowered through various training programmes organised and funded through ‘Operation SADBHAVANA’ in Vocational Training Centres, Women Empowerment Centres and Computer Centres at various locations in Ladakh.

 

Significance:

       It works to reduce the proxy wars fought by Pakistan in the region. Proxy wars are conflicts fought by the terrorist groups on behalf of the government.

       The Pakistan government pays money and supplies ammunition to the terrorist groups to fight such wars in the Kashmir region.

       It mainly focuses on five areas. They are infrastructure development, education, community development projects, women and youth empowerment, health and sanitation. The project will neutralise the anti-India propaganda sponsored by Pakistan in Kashmir.