To Drive Development and Progress in Kupwara,Indian Army Facilitated the ‘Himayat Program’ Organised by 160 inf Bn (TA) (H&H) Kupwara Terriers on 12th Nov,2020.This Joint Initiative introduced in Collaboration with ‘Ministry of Rural Develpoment( Govt Of India)And ‘J&K UT Rural Livelihood Mission’ Received an Overwhelming Response and was Attended by 500+Youth From Kupwara and their Parents.

The program will select 105 male students for resident courses in Srinagar in Fashion Designing (8
months) and Medical Lab Technician (11 months). They will be provided free certified skill development
and proressional training. The candidates will also get necessary study material and Stationary along With a tablet for the duration of the course. Hostel facilities will be provided including, free lodging and meals.Additional facilities will include travel allowance, soft skill training and uniforms. On completion
Of the course successtully, the candidates will get a certificate from a nationally recognized university
and guaranteed placement to help them become economically independent.

AS part of the responsibility to guide the youth the counselling drive was conducted by the army personnel Following COvID-19 screening and safety measures. Indian army is always in the forefront of conducting such initiatives and aims to reach out to the local community in the remote areas near the LoC and integrate them with mainstream economy.

CO 160 1Inf Bn (TA) (H&H) (Kupwara Terriers), Col Swaraj Bhattacharya, congratulated the parents for
motivating their wards in the right direction. He emphasized that this program will not just give free training and award employment opportunities, but also raise the standard of living of the entire Community of Kupwara.

The Himayat Program has generated hope among locals. The parents thanked the government for such
initiatives and acknowledged the futility of terrorism, the damaging impact it has had on several generations in J&K. They recognized that programs like this will help the youngsters shun the path of violence and instead contribute constructively towards overall welfare of the state.

The Indian Army reiterates its commitment to endorse constructive initiatives to promote development
in Jammu & Kashmir.