Minister calls on J&K students to avail scholarships offered by Centre

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has urged students and faculty to make full use of the various technology incentives and dedicated schemes being promoted by the Central government. He made these remarks while inaugurating the first academic session of the newly sanctioned Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) at Ramkot in Kathua.

Addressing the gathering, Singh called upon parents of students aged 10 to 17 to take advantage of scholarships offered by the Department of Science & Technology, and grant schemes like INSPIRE-MANAK, under which selected students receive financial support of Rs 10,000 to promote innovation, creative thinking and nurture young talent.

He also highlighted the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), which provides Rs 60,000 per year—including a Rs 20,000 mentorship grant—to meritorious students aged 17 to 22. The scheme encourages undergraduate and postgraduate students to pursue careers in basic sciences and research.

Emphasising the role of women in science, Dr Singh encouraged young girls from Classes 9 to 12 to benefit from the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme, which provides mentoring and support for higher studies and careers in Science & Technology. The initiative aims to increase the participation of girls in STEM fields, particularly in underrepresented areas.

The Union Minister said the establishment of KV Ramkot will boost educational opportunities in the region by providing uninterrupted, quality schooling to local children as well as the wards of security personnel posted in the area.

A total of 200 students have already enrolled for the 2025–26 academic session in Classes 1 to 5, with 40 students in each class. The school is currently functioning from temporary accommodation within the premises of Government Model Higher Secondary School, Ramkot.